Family Burden and Family Support among Caregivers of Clients with Schizophrenia: A Descriptive Study

Abstract

Introduction: Schizophrenia is a very incapacitating mental disorder that has far-reaching consequences for both the patient and their loved ones. A caregiver's responsibilities typically encompass all but the most basic aspects of a client's health and well-being. The purpose of this research is to measure the family burden and family support among caregivers of schizophrenic patients. Materials and Methodology: The study was of a quantitative and descriptive in nature. 50 caregivers of patients with schizophrenia were selected using a convenience sampling technique from the outpatient departments of three psychiatric institutions in South India. Research study lasted for a total of 4 weeks. Caretakers of patients with schizophrenia between the ages of 18 and 60 were considered. Non-relative caregivers were not allowed to participate. Statistical information was gathered with the aid of the Socio-Demographic Scale, the Modified Family Burden Assessment Scale, and the Family Support Assessment Scale. The data was entered into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and analysed with IBM SPSS version 26. Results: The results shows that about 66% and 34% of the study participants were having moderate and severe family burden respectively. Regarding family support 76% of the participants were having low level of family support and 24% having moderate family support. Conclusion: Caregivers of people with schizophrenia would benefit greatly from having family support, according to the study's findings. The nurse administrator plays a pivotal role in educating the caregivers.