Willingness to Continue Caregiving Among Informal Caregivers of Older Adults in Southwestern Nigeria

TL;DR

This study explores why informal caregivers in Nigeria are willing to continue caring for older adults, finding that satisfaction and perceived ability to care are key factors.

Contribution

The study identifies specific predictors of willingness to continue caregiving in a low-resource setting, emphasizing the role of satisfaction and perceived ability.

Findings

80.3% of caregivers expressed willingness to continue caregiving.

Perceived ability to care and caregiver satisfaction were the strongest predictors of willingness.

Support programs and training are recommended to improve long-term care for older adults.

Abstract

Informal caregiving of older persons is a time-consuming and demanding role often entered into with little preparation. Understanding the willingness of caregivers to continue in this role is essential for long-term care provision for older persons, especially in low-resource settings. This study assessed the willingness of informal caregivers to continue providing care for community-dwelling older persons in Oyo State, Southwestern Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was carried out using quantitative methods,, with data collected from 554 informal caregivers through a semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. The Caregiver Continuation Willingness Scale, Zarit Burden Interview, and a 15-item physical status assessment tool for older persons were used. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 at a significance level of p < 0.05. The caregivers had a mean age of 37.24 (±12.54) years, with most being female (83.6%), married (76.9%), and employed (93.5%). The older adults had a mean age of 79.81 (±12.28) years and were predominantly female (76.5%). Overall, 80.3% of caregivers expressed willingness to continue caregiving. Factors positively associated with willingness included being older, married, a close relative, experiencing mild caregiver burden, prolonged caregiving duration, emotional attachment, obligation to care, and caregiver satisfaction. Perceived ability to care (OR = 4.36; 95% CI [2.19, 8.68]; p < 0.001) and caregiver satisfaction (OR = 5.75; 95% CI [2.98, 11.08]; p < 0.001) were the strongest predictors of willingness to continue. These findings highlight the need for caregiver support programs and training to enhance caregiving skills and satisfaction, ultimately improving long-term care for older adults.