Resilience, burden, and quality of life in Egyptian family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia

Abstract

Background Caring for mentally ill patients affects the family caregivers’ physical and mental health, which leads to enormous burdens. Consequently, family caregivers need resilience to help relieve these burdens and regain their quality of life. Objective The present study was designed to assess the levels of resilience, burden, and quality of life among family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia and their relationships. Settings The study was conducted at the psychiatric outpatient clinic of Mental Health Hospital in Tanta City (which is affiliated to General Secretariat of Mental Health) and psychiatric outpatient clinic affiliated to Tanta University. Design A descriptive correlational design was used in the study. Patients and methods A convenient sample of family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia (N=109) was recruited. Tools Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, Burden of Care Inventory, and the WHO Quality of Life Scale were used. Results The present study indicated a significant positive correlation between resilience level and quality of life. On the contrary, caregiving burdens were negatively correlated with both resilience and quality of life. Moreover, family caregivers have moderate level of resilience, and approximately two-thirds of them have poor overall quality of life and experiencing moderate to severe burden. Conclusion The present study concluded that decreasing family caregivers’ burden and enhancing their quality of life are imperative. This can be done by emphasizing the significant role of resilience. Recommendations A rehabilitation program and ongoing family interventions should be established for family caregivers to enhance their resilience and consequently to decrease their burdens and improve their quality of life.