Challenges Faced by Caregivers of Critically Ill Patients at Nkozi Hospital, Mpigi District: A cross-sectional study
Keywords:
Caregiver challenges, critically ill patients, Nkozi Hospital, Mpigi District, UgandaAbstract
Background: Caregivers of critically ill patients often experience multiple challenges that affect their psychological well-being, socio-economic stability, and ability to provide effective care. This study aimed to assess the challenges faced by caregivers of critically ill patients at Nkozi Hospital in Mpigi District.
Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 30 caregivers of critically ill patients at Nkozi Hospital. Data were collected using structured questionnaires covering demographic characteristics, psychological, socio-economic, and hospital-related challenges. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in tables and figures as frequencies and percentages.
Results.: The majority of caregivers were females (93.3%), aged between 30 and 39 years (63.3%), and most had attained secondary education (60%). Psychologically, many caregivers experienced emotional distress, with 60% sometimes feeling extreme sadness, 70% always experiencing fear or panic, and 76.7% reporting constant feelings of helplessness. Lack of sleep and extreme tiredness were also common. Socio-economically, 56.7% received limited financial support, 66.7% had limited emotional support, and 70% reported disruption of their work or school routines. Hospital-related challenges included inadequate communication with healthcare providers (66.7%), inconsistent provision of personal protective equipment (76.7%), and limited access to medications (56.7%). However, sanitation was generally rated as good, and most caregivers received mosquito nets.
Conclusion: Caregivers of critically ill patients at Nkozi Hospital faced significant psychological, socio-economic, and hospital-related challenges. Emotional distress, limited support systems, poor communication, and inconsistent provision of essential services negatively affected caregiving experiences.
Recommendations: The Ministry of Health should strengthen hospital support systems by ensuring a consistent supply of essential medicines and improving service delivery through regular inspections.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Ruth Namatovu, Jane Francis Namukwaya (Author)
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