The Burden and Perceived Stress on Family Caregivers of Patients With Orofacial Cleft Deformities in The Perioperative Period of Cleft Repair

Abstract

Different stages along the trajectory of cleft care may present with different and peculiar challenges that may negatively impact family caregivers, leading to considerable stress and burden. This study aims to evaluate the family caregiver burden and perceived stress of caring for patients with cleft deformities. Contributing factors to family caregivers’ burden in the perioperative period of cleft repair was also identified. A cross-sectional design that included 90 adult caregiver–patient pairs was employed. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect necessary information. The level of caregiver’s burden was assessed using the Zarit burden interview score. The results demonstrated the levels of caregiver burden as severe (4.4%), moderate to severe (21.1%), mild to moderate (40%), and little or none (34.5%). The only significant and independent predictor of caregiver burden was earning less than US$50/month (odds ratio = 2.30, 95% CI = 0.95-5.61, P = .066). Coping strategy was mainly family support (98.9%), while the greatest need expressed was financial assistance (66.7%). Our findings suggests that efforts geared at reducing direct and indirect cost of cleft care may help in reducing caregivers’ burden.

Burdens and predictors of the Burden experienced by Family Caregivers of Patients with Oral and Maxillofacial Tumours

“…[ 26 ] In the present study, diverse emotional coping strategy was employed among all the study participants similar to earlier studies carried out in the same environment on coping strategies by caregivers. [ 27 28 ] The findings in this study could be a reflection of the cultural beliefs and high level of spirituality in the environment where the study was carried out. [ 27 28 ]…”

“…[ 27 28 ] The findings in this study could be a reflection of the cultural beliefs and high level of spirituality in the environment where the study was carried out. [ 27 28 ]…”

Supporting Parents Through a Cleft Palate

“…Healthcare providers, including nurses, can assist with relieving financial stress by seeking out funding and support sources for families who do not have insurance coverage or those who have to travel to care for their child (Gbolahan et al, 2020). Nurses can support parents by referring them to appropriate resources for parents of children with cleft lip/palate.…”