Background: Family caregivers often face significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges when caring for surgical patients. Caregiver burden, a critical aspect of healthcare, is influenced by various patient-related factors, including age, functional capacity, and illness severity. This study examines the relationships between caregiver burden, assessed using the Zarit Burden Index (ZBI), and patient characteristics among surgical patients in Delta State, Nigeria, with a focus on practical implications for caregiving strategies.

Methodology: The study utilized a cross-sectional design involving caregivers of surgical patients at two hospitals in Delta State, Nigeria. Data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires. Caregiver burden was evaluated using the ZBI, functional status was measured with the Palliative Performance Scale (PPS), and illness severity was categorized as mild, moderate, or severe.

Results: Weak correlations were observed between caregiver burden and patient age (r = 0.218, p = 0.01) as well as functional status (r = -0.347, p = 0.01). However, illness severity showed a strong association with caregiver burden (p < 0.0001), with caregivers of patients with severe conditions or low functional capacity experiencing the greatest burden.

Conclusion: Although some correlations are modest, the findings emphasize the need for targeted caregiving strategies. Interventions such as caregiver education, emotional support, and financial assistance are essential to mitigate the burdens faced by those caring for elderly or severely ill patients.

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