CULTURAL, ARCHITECTURAL, AND TECHNOLOGICAL DIMENSIONS OF INFORMAL CARE GIVING IN NIGERIAN HOSPITAL WARDS
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Abstract
Informal caregivers are vital to patient care in Nigerian hospital wards, yet cultural norms, hospital design, and technological support constrain their roles. This study investigates how these factors affect caregiver experiences and effectiveness. Using a cross-sectional design, data from 180 caregivers at three hospitals in Jos (Jos University Teaching Hospital, Bingham University Teaching Hospital, and Faith Alive Hospital) were collected via structured questionnaires. Results indicate that care giving is primarily performed by women aged 31–45, consistent with traditional gender roles. Key challenges include overcrowded wards, insufficient seating (affecting privacy and sanitation), and reliance on personal phones rather than hospital electronic systems for communication. Infrastructure adequacy was strongly associated with caregiver satisfaction, whereas culturally sensitive practices had a moderate positive effect. The findings highlight the need for hospital designs that include ergonomic spaces, adequate sanitation, private areas, digital communication tools, and culturally responsive policies. Incorporating architectural, technological, and cultural considerations into healthcare planning can reduce caregiver burden, promote family involvement, and improve patient outcomes. This research emphasises the importance of involving informal caregivers in health system reforms, especially in resource-limited settings.
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