Caregiver Burden and Quality of Life among Family Caregivers of the Elderly in Nuwara Eliya District, Sri Lanka: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Family caregivers, often lacking financial, social, and psychological support, bear the primary responsibility for elderly care. Rapidly aging population of Sri Lanka has intensified the demand for family caregivers in eldercare, particularly in rural areas where institutional support is limited. This study aimed to assess the caregiver burden and quality of life (QoL) among family caregivers in the Nuwara Eliya District, Sri Lanka. A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in two selected Medical Officer of Health areas in Nuwara Eliya. Data were collected using a pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire. The sample included 166 caregivers selected via convenient sampling. The questionnaire comprised three sections: demographic characteristics, caregiver burden assessed using the Sinhala translated Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview, and QoL measured with the Sinhala-translated Adult Carer Quality of Life Questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25.0, applying descriptive and inferential statistics to identify associations between caregiver burden and sociodemographic factors. The mean (±SD) age of caregivers was 51±11 years, with 69% being female. The caregiver burden was negatively correlated with QoL (p<0.01). Moderate to severe caregiver burden was reported by 58%, while 68% reported a mid-level QoL. Higher QoL was linked to Sense of Value (41%) and Support for Caring (35%), whereas financial strain and caregiving stress were major concerns. The caregiver burden was significantly associated with caring choice (p<0.01), caring stress (p<0.01), money matters (p<0.05) and sense of value (p<0.05). Quality of life was significantly associated with support for caring (p<0.01), caring choice (p<0.01), caring stress (p<0.01), financial matters (p<0.01), sense of value (p<0.01). Caregivers in rural Sri Lanka experienced moderate to severe burden, with most reporting a mid-level quality of life. The caregiver burden was negatively associated with QoL. Higher QoL was associated with social support and a sense of value, while financial strain and caregiving stress were major concerns. These findings highlight the urgent need for culturally appropriate interventions that offer emotional, financial, and practical support to caregivers.