Factors influencing the burden of caregivers of children with cerebral palsy in Namibia

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate factors that influence the burden of caregiving on the caregivers of children with cerebral palsy (CP) in Windhoek, Namibia. Ethical approval was obtained from researcher’s university and Namibia Ministry of Health and Social Services ethics committee. A quantitative, non-experimental, descriptive and cross-sectional design in the form of a survey was used. Total population sampling technique was used to draw 91 respondents drawn from the patient register at the two public hospitals in Windhoek. A questionnaire adapted from the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) was used to collect data. Data which was obtained was complete and the researcher paid consistent attention to the data collection process. The results showed the following characteristics to be significantly related to increased burden among caregivers; living in the same household as a child with cerebral palsy, marital status, knowledge and understanding of cerebral palsy, ethnic group and caregiver having previously been treated for a physical ailment. It was recommended that the social grant and housing policies be reviewed, and support groups for caregivers and community awareness on cerebral palsy be introduced.