Burden and quality of life among caregivers of children diagnosed with cancer at Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya: A cross-sectional study

Background: With projections indicating an increase in childhood cancer diagnoses by 2050, family members in Kenya frequently assume extensive caregiving responsibilities. These duties are demanding and may adversely impact caregivers’ quality of life. In Kenya, caregivers manage both clinical and non-clinical tasks; however, there is a paucity of evidence regarding the extent of caregiver burden and its effect on their well-being. As cancer incidence rises, this data gap impedes the development of effective interventions to support caregivers and improve cancer care outcomes across the country. Objective: This study aimed to assess the burden and quality of life of caregivers at a national referral hospital in Kenya. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional descriptive design involving 124 conveniently sampled participants. The Caregivers’ Quality of Life Index-Cancer and Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview tools were used to collect data on the caregivers’ quality of life and burden. Descriptive analysis was performed to generate frequencies, Pearson’s chi-square was used to assess the association between variables, and multiple linear regression was used to assess the association between variables. Results: Of the 124 participants, 91.9% were mothers aged 20–40 with secondary education, while most of the children (57.3%) were male, half were aged 1–5 years, and 47.6% had blood cancers. The average quality of life and burden scores were 83.38 (SD: 21.04) and 41.43 (SD: 17.52). Employment significantly reduces caregivers’ burden ( B = −10.96, p = 0.001) and quality of life ( B = −13.04, p = 0.001) while combined treatment significantly increases caregivers’ burden ( B = 8.06, p = 0.049). Conclusion: The burden of care on caregivers of children with cancer is significant and has a negative impact on their quality of life. To help reduce this burden and enhance caregivers well-being, we recommended interventions such as flexible work arrangements, paid family leave, psychoeducation, and accessible respite care.