Role Strain and Social Connectedness on Life Satisfaction Among Caregivers of Individuals With Chronic Illnesses at Federal Medical Centre (fmc) Abeokuta, Ogun State

The study investigates the impact of role strain and social connectedness on the life satisfaction of caregivers of individuals with chronic illnesses at FMC Abeokuta. It also seeks to ascertain the relationship between role strain and life satisfaction among caregivers of individuals with chronic illnesses at FMC Abeokuta. Additionally, it examines the relationship between social connectedness and life satisfaction, providing insight into how social bonds may influence well-being in this context. Furthermore, the study assesses the joint effect of role strain and social connectedness on life satisfaction, with the goal of understanding how these variables interact to affect the overall life satisfaction of caregivers at FMC Abeokuta.
The study employed a descriptive research design. The study population consists of 120 carers of patients with chronic illnesses at Federal Medical Centre Abeokuta, Nigeria. Data was gathered using purposive sampling technique. Standardized scales were used for data: Life Satisfaction scale (SWLS-5), The Caregiver Strain Questionnaire (CGSQ) and The Social Connectivity Scale (SCS-R). The data were interpreted using descriptive statistics like frequency and percentage distribution table, while correlation and multiple regression were used to test the stated hypotheses.
The result of the analysis indicates that there is no significant relationship between role strain and life satisfaction (r = -0.130, p> 0.05). Social connectedness does not significantly relate to life satisfaction among caregivers (r = -0.130, p> 0.05). The results show that role strain {β= -0.150, t-value =1.637, p-values > 0.05}, and social connectedness {β= 0.152, t-value =1.664, p-values > 0.05}, indicating that neither role strain nor social connectedness individually has a significant effect on life satisfaction.
The study concluded that neither role strain nor social connectedness has a significant relationship with life satisfaction among caregivers of individuals with chronic illnesses. Additionally, the combined effect of role strain and social connectedness does not significantly impact life satisfaction. Sequel to the findings, the study recommended that developing and implementing targeted interventions to help individuals manage role strain more effectively. This could involve counselling services, stress management programs, or role-specific support groups.