Assessing Quality of Life and Associated Factors Among Caregivers of Children With Chronic Conditions at Tamale Teaching Hospital: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Rhubamatu Iddrisu, Abdul Rauf Alhassan, Mariam Kaleem‐Ahmed, Yaa Nyarko AdjesoABSTRACT
Background and Aim
Children with chronic illnesses are particularly vulnerable, they often face long and frequent hospitalizations that impair their physical, psychological, social, and educational well‐being. Hospital stays also affect the quality of life (QoL) of their caregivers, who may experience stress, anxiety, depression, and financial difficulties. This study aimed to assess the QoL of the caregiver of a chronically ill child in Tamale Teaching Hospital.
Methods
A descriptive cross‐sectional design using quantitative data was used for this study in Tamale Teaching Hospital. Descriptive and inferential analysis were done. The significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results
The mean general QoL score (single‐item measure) was 32.6 ± 24.0, indicating poor perceived overall life quality. In contrast, the overall QoL score derived from WHOQOL‐BREF domains was 49.9 ± 13.6, indicating a moderate level of QoL. Domain‐specific mean scores were 47.6 ± 17.0 (physical), 50.8 ± 14.7 (psychological), 53.0 ± 19.1 (social), and 47.9 ± 14.4 (environmental). Overall, 50.6% (45/89) of caregivers had good overall QoL. Factors significantly associated with QoL included type of chronic condition, duration of admission, caregiver education, occupation, and religion ( p < 0.05). In multivariable analysis, unemployment was associated with lower odds of good QoL (AOR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.08–0.88), while caregivers of children with sickle cell disease (AOR = 7.75, 95% CI: 1.23–48.90) and those of Islamic faith (AOR = 4.05, 95% CI: 1.24–13.24) had higher odds of good QoL.
Conclusion
Caregiver QoL was moderate and associated employment status, religion, and the child's illness type. Support for vulnerable caregiver groups is essential to improve their well‐being.