Comparison of Burden of Caregiving among Different Levels of Amputation in Selected Hospitals in South- West Nigeria

Abstract

The task of caring for a relative with amputation might be somewhat daunting for the caregiver. This study compared the burden of caregiving among informal caregivers of individuals with different levels of amputation in selected hospitals in south western Nigeria.The cross sectional survey involved 66 individuals with amputation and their caregivers. Zarit Burden Interview was used to assess the caregiver burden. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Alpha level was set at 0.05.The mean caregivers burden (55.6) of the amputees in this study was a little more than average but significantly (t=2.842 p< 0.05) higher for females (59.44 ± 10.53) than for males (54.25 ± 9.27). There was significant difference (F= 4.80, p < 0.05) in caregiver burden among different levels of amputation with above knee being the highest (63.43 ± 9.51) and below knee (52.38 ± 8.29) been the lowest.It can be concluded from the study that mean burden care, given to an average amputee may be estimate as just above average but above knee and female amputee may require more care.