Magnitude and predictors of psychological burden of care among informal caregivers of Noma survivors

Abstract

Background

Cancrum Oris is a devastating gangrenous lesion of the orofacial regions that primarily affects the undernourished children, with consequent disfigurement of the face. Noma places a considerable social, psychological, emotional, and financial burden on their informal caregivers. However, this burden on caregivers remains largely understudied. This research aimed to assess the level and predictors of caregiver psychological burden among informal caregivers of Noma patients in Northwestern Nigeria.

Materials and methods

This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 92 informal caregivers of Noma survivors attending Noma Children’s Hospital in Sokoto, who were recruited via a universal sampling method over two years. Caregiver burden was assessed using the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with Chi-square tests employed to determine associations and logistic regression used to identify predictors. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results

The mean age of the caregivers was 38.0 years (SD ± 10.1); most were female (84.8%), married (87.0%), and parents of the survivor. The caregivers experienced a mild-to-moderate burden in 47.8% of cases, a moderate-to-severe burden in 47.8%, and a severe burden in 4.4%. Being female (p = 0.0170) and being a parent (p = 0.011) were associated with higher caregiver burden; female sex remained the only independent predictor of high caregiver burden (p = 0.019).

Conclusion

Informal caregivers of Noma survivors experience considerable psychological burden, particularly female caregivers and parents of patients. Targeted psychosocial support is necessary to alleviate caregiver strain and enhance care outcomes.