Assessment of Physiological Burden and Quality of Life Among Caregivers of Patients with Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases in Osun State, South West Nigeria

Background: Informal caregivers of patients with chronic non-communicable diseases bear substantial physiological and psychological burdens that are largely invisible within Nigeria's health system. The caregiving role involves physical labour, sleep disruption, and emotional stress, each of which generates measurable physiological consequences. Limited data address caregiver health in the South West geopolitical zone outside urban Lagos. Objectives: This study seeks to assess physiological burden indicators, including blood pressure, salivary cortisol, body mass index, and sleep quality, among informal caregivers of patients with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or chronic kidney disease in Osun State, alongside generic quality-of-life scores. Methods: Seventy caregivers will be recruited from outpatient clinics of two tertiary hospitals in Osogbo. Blood pressure, body mass index, and morning salivary cortisol will be measured. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the WHO Quality of Life-BREF questionnaire will be administered. Regression analysis will identify predictors of poor quality of life. Expected Outcomes: High cortisol levels, elevated blood pressure, and poor sleep quality are anticipated to be prevalent, with number of years in the caregiving role and caring for multiple patients as independent predictors of worse outcomes. Conclusion: Findings will inform the development of caregiver support services within Nigeria's non-communicable disease management programmes. Keywords: caregiver burden, cortisol, quality of life, non-communicable disease, Osun State.