Factors Responsible for Stress among Family Caregivers of Hospitalised Patients in Abeokuta, Nigeria

The study is designed to; evaluate the factors contributing to stress among caregivers, identify the effects of stress among family caregivers of hospitalized patients, to suggest useful coping strategies in dealing with stress during hospitalisation. Family caregiver implies family member, spouse, friend, or neighbour who provides care to an individual during hospitalization. The research design adopted for this study was descriptive survey approach. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the sample of 200 family caregivers. Data was collected using questionnaire. Analysis was done descriptively and inferentially. Care recipient's behaviour and required attention towards siblings do not significantly contribute to stress in family caregivers of hospitalised patients. X²< critical value (P<0.05). Emotional problems are the major effects of caregiver stress. Thorough understanding of patient's medical situation, Stress management and self-efficacy techniques are the useful coping strategies. Therefore, patients and caregivers should be well-informed.