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.
