Prevalence and predictors of depression and anxiety among caregivers of children with noncommunicable diseases in referral hospitals in Abia State Nigeria

Background Childhood non-communicable diseases (NCDs) pose a significant burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with a rising prevalence among children. Caregivers of affected children often experience mental health challenges, yet data from sub-Saharan Africa remain limited. This is the first childhood multi-NCD study providing insight into the burden of caregiving in Abia State, in the southeast of Africa’s most populous LMIC. Methods This hospital-based cross-sectional study enrolled 720 consenting caregivers of children with physician-diagnosed NCDs in three referral hospitals. Data were collected using a structured sociodemographic questionnaire, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depression, and the Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) for anxiety. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression were performed using SPSS version 29. Results Caregivers were predominantly mothers (80.3%). Haematological disorders (23.1%) and malignancies (19.7%) were the most common NCDs among the children. The prevalence of depression (PHQ-9 ≥ 10) and anxiety (GAD-7 ≥ 10) among caregivers was 34.0% (95% CI: 30.4–37.6) and 25.6% (95% CI: 22.3–28.9), respectively. Rural residence (AOR 1.65, 95% CI: 1.32–2.06 for depression; AOR 2.32, 95% CI 1.78–3.02 for anxiety), low education (AOR 1.42, 95% CI: 1.12–1.80 for depression; AOR 1.43, 95% CI 1.09–1.88 for anxiety), and non-maternal caregivers, e.g., fathers or others (AOR 1.58, 95% CI: 1.18–2.11 for depression), were associated with higher odds of mental health issues. NCD type showed no significant independent association after adjustment. Conclusions Mental health burdens among caregivers of children with NCDs are substantial, exacerbated by rurality and socioeconomic factors. Hospital-integrated public health interventions targeting caregiver support are urgently needed to mitigate these intersections in LMICs, fostering resilient families and sustainable development.