The caregivers’ self-efficacy, burden, and perceived social supports among adult caregivers of people with epilepsy in Southeast Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Purpose

Social support and caregiver self-efficacy, as well as how they are associated with caregiving burden, have not been adequately explored among caregivers of people with epilepsy (PWE). Our study aimed to assess the levels of burden, social support, and self-efficacy among caregivers of PWE in Southeast Nigeria, and to examine the relationship between these variables among the caregivers of PWE in Southeast Nigeria.

Methods

This cross-sectional study consecutively recruited adult caregivers from selected neurology clinics. Data were collected using the Zarit Caregiver Burden Inventory, Perceived Multidimensional Social Support Scale, and 8-item Caregiver Self-Efficacy Scale. Descriptive and inferential were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences.

Results

A total of 80 caregivers (75 % female) with a mean age of 37.90 ± 10.44 years participated. Most were married (62.5 %) and self-employed (73.8 %). All were family members (58.8 % mothers to the PWE) and unpaid for caregiving. Half lived in households of 4–6 people, and 61.3 % had provided care for 1–5 years. Caregivers had low self-efficacy, moderate burden, and average perceived social support. A significant positive correlation was found between self-efficacy and perceived social support, while burden negatively correlated with self-efficacy (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Caregivers of PWE experienced low self-efficacy and moderate burden, despite receiving moderate social support predominantly from friends. Although social support was linked to self-efficacy, it did not significantly predict caregiver burden. Interventions that focus on strengthening caregiver self-efficacy and providing structured support especially for unpaid family caregivers are warranted.