Caregivers Of Schizophrenia Patients Research Articles

Coping Strategies and Burden Stress in Caregivers of Patients with Schizophrenia and Patients with Bipolar Disorder

Abstract Background Mental illness has a great impact not only on patients but also on their caregivers as it makes them more prone to stress, interferes with their daily life activities and can negatively affects their social, psychological and physical health quality of life. They neglect seeking medical help that may negatively affect clinical outcome of patients and quality of their life. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the magnitude of burden on such caregivers and to investigate the coping strategies used by them in order to develop tailored bio psychosocial interventions to reduce their stress. Objective To assess the magnitude of burden and patterns of coping with stress in caregivers of patients with schizophrenia. To assess the magnitude of burden and patterns of coping with stress in caregivers of patients with bipolar affective disorder. To compare both the coping strategies and burden stress scores among caregivers of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar patients. Patients and Methods This cross sectional study was done on 100 caregivers to assess burden in caregivers of schizophrenia patients and caregivers of bipolar patients, the coping style used by the caregivers of both groups and comparing between two groups. Results There was statistically significant difference found between bipolar group and schizophrenia group regarding coping inventory scores make fun and behavioral withdrawal, which showed higher median score in schizophrenia group than bipolar group. Burden of caring and coping with this burden, affect each other mutually. As, according to the results of our study, rural residence of caregiver, positive reassessment ≤12 and denial >8 were found significantly associated with high burden in bipolar group. While employed caregivers were associated with high burden among schizophrenia group. Burden is higher in bipolar group than schizophrenia group. Conclusion Appraisal by, and burden on caregivers play a major role in determining their style of coping. These factors largely accounted for the differences in coping observed between caregivers of patients of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, in this study. Reducing burden on caregivers and enhancing their awareness of illness could lead to adoption of more adaptive coping styles by them.

The impact of care-recipient relationship type on mental health burden of caregivers for schizophrenia patients: evidence from Beijing, China.

To examine the impact of care-recipient relationship type on mental health burden of caregivers for schizophrenia patients in China, elucidating the underlying mechanisms. A cross-sectional study was conducted using face-to-face surveys administered to caregivers of patients with schizophrenia in selected communities in Beijing, China. 1,853 samples' data was used. Descriptive statistics, logistic regression models and Sheaf coefficient method were employed to analyze the data. The mental health burden experienced by caregivers of schizophrenia patients has reached a high level, with 66.9% reporting a moderate or severe impact from their caregiving responsibilities. Parents and spouses were the primary providers of care for schizophrenia patients in China. Parent caregivers experienced greater suffering in their caregiving role compared to spouse caregivers, whereas the difference between child caregivers and spouse caregivers was not significant. The factors influencing caregiver's mental health burden vary according to the type of relationship with the care-recipient. For parent caregivers, the mental health burden primarily stems from personal conditions of schizophrenia patients, while for spouse or child caregivers, it mainly arises from family economic conditions. This study reveals that caregivers having different types of care-recipient relationship with schizophrenia patients experience significantly different mental health burdens in Beijing, China, and major influencing factors are distinct according to different care-recipient relationship types.

Coping strategies and burden stress in caregivers of patients with schizophrenia and patients with bipolar disorder

BackgroundMental illness has a great impact not only on patients but also on their carers as it makes them more prone to stress, interferes with their daily life activities, and can negatively affect their social, psychological, and physical health quality of life. They neglect seeking medical help that may negatively affect clinical outcome of patients and quality of their life. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the magnitude of burden on such caregivers and to investigate the coping strategies used by them in order to develop tailored biopsychosocial interventions to reduce their stress.ObjectiveTo assess the magnitude of burden and patterns of coping with stress in caregivers of patients with schizophrenia. To assess the magnitude of burden and patterns of coping with stress in caregivers of patients with bipolar affective disorder. To compare both the coping strategies and burden stress scores among carers of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar patients.Patients and methodsThis cross-sectional study was done on 100 caregivers to assess burden in caregivers of schizophrenia patients and caregivers of bipolar patients, the coping style used by the caregivers of both groups and comparing between two groups.ResultsThere was statistically significant difference found between bipolar group and schizophrenia group regarding coping inventory scores make fun and behavioral withdrawal, which showed higher median score in schizophrenia group than bipolar group. Burden of caring and coping with this burden, affect each other mutually. As, according to the results of our study, rural residence of caregiver, positive reassessment ≤ 12 and denial > 8 were found significantly associated with high burden in bipolar group. While employed caregivers were associated with high burden among schizophrenia group. Burden is higher in bipolar group than schizophrenia group.ConclusionThe burden placed on caregivers has a significant impact on their capacity to offer service and care to patients. It also has an impact on how service providers adjust to and deal with their families' illnesses. Reduced caregiver load and increased awareness of the condition may help caregivers to use more flexible coping techniques.

The effectiveness of nursing psychoeducation toward family burden and quality life on caregiver of people with schizophrenia in the community

Introduction: The caregivers of people with schizophrenia have problems that include high family, burden and low quality of life at home. Therefore, this study aims to determine the effectiveness of nursing psychoeducation on family, burdens and quality of life in caregivers of schizophrenia patients in the community.
 Design and Methods: This study used a pre-test and post-test group control design and repeated measurement with a total of 100 respondents. The treatment group was given weekly nursing psychoeducation for seven sessions. Also, the general linear model (GLM) was used to analyze the result.
 Results: This study showed that before the intervention of nursing psychoeducation, the average family burden was 49,02 and 46.28 in the treatment and control groups, respectively. This decreased to 38.24 and 37.56 in the first and fourth weeks of posttreatment. Meanwhile, the control group was 44.86 in the first week and 45.62 in the fourth. The psychoeducation had an effect on decreasing the family burden with a p value < 0.001. Moreover, this study showed that before the intervention of nursing psychoeducation, the average caregiver quality of life was 75,72 and 74.24 in the treatment. After treatment, it increased to 91.22 in the first week after intervention and 92.54 in the fourth week of post-intervention. Therefore, the intervention effectively improved the caregiver quality of life with p < 0.001
 Conclusions: Nursing psychoeducation can effectively reduce family burdens and improve the quality of life for caregivers.

Gender differences in burden of care and coping strategies among caregivers of schizophrenia patients

Caregivers of patients with schizophrenia have a considerable burden of care and develop different coping strategies to deal with the caregiving burden. The aim of this article is to assess gender differences in the burden of care and coping strategies used among caregivers of clinically stable patients with schizophrenia. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 57 caregivers (33 males and 24 females) of the patients with schizophrenia attending a psychiatric outpatient setting were included by purposive sampling. The caregivers were assessed with the Burden Assessment Schedule 20 items (BAS-20) and Brief Approach/Avoidance Coping Questionnaire (BACQ) to assess the burden of care and coping strategies, respectively. Average BAS-20 score was comparable between the male and female caregivers. If the patient was a spouse, the male caregivers had a significantly higher burden of the marital relationship than the female caregivers. On the BACQ, the socio-emotional approach subscale was significantly higher in female caregivers. The avoidance-oriented coping score and socio-emotional avoidance subscale were significantly higher in male caregivers. A significant positive correlation was found between BAS-20 score and avoidance-oriented coping scores in all caregivers except the females where a significant negative correlation was found between BAS score and socio-emotional avoidance type of coping. There are no gender differences in the burden of care in caregivers of clinically stable patients with schizophrenia except the male caregivers have a higher burden in the domain of marital relationship. The socio-emotional approach type of coping is higher in females while the socio-emotional avoidance type of coping is lower in male caregivers.

A study to assess the burden and perceived stigma among caregivers of patient with schizophrenia at Dharwad Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Dharwad (DIMHANS)

Background and Objectives: The level of stigma associated to mental illness is much higher than that is already perceived in India. Though some studies in western culture have reported co-relation between stigma and burden, amongst family members of persons with mental illness. There are few studies carried out in India that co-relates stigma with burden of schizophrenia caregiver’s. There is a need to highlight the association between perceived stigma and level of burden among caregivers of patient with schizophrenia.Methods: A quantitative cross sectional descriptive study was conducted to assess and correlate the burden and perceived stigma among caregiver of schizophrenia patients at DIMHANS Dharwad during Jan- April 2017. 100 caregivers of schizophrenia patients who are attending outpatient department or admitted at psychiatric wards were selected based on convenient sampling technique. The data were collected by using Burden Assessment Schedule (BAS) and Affiliate Stigma Scale. Interview was used to collect data from caregivers. Result: Among the total 100 respondents 64% were male, 81% were married, 88% belonged to Hindu religion and proportion participants were residing rural area. The mean burden scores of caregivers were 36.35±3.68 and mean perceived stigma scores were 53.94±4.41. Out of 100 participants 78% have high burden and 57% have high perceived stigma scores. There was a significant positive correlation between perceived stigma and burden among caregivers of schizophrenia patients. The association between perceived stigma and burden with socio-demographic variables revealed that there was a significant association between gender, income and duration of illness with burden (x2=4.21, p=0.04, x2=5.65, p=0.01, x2=8.68, p=0.03). There was a significant association between type of family with perceived stigma (x2=4.61, p=0.03).

A cross-sectional study of resilience, self-esteem and self-efficacy in the care givers of schizophrenia patients visiting a tertiary care hospital

Background: Care givers have an important role in patients care. The stigma associated with illness has made caregiving a challenging job. Very few studies had been done focusing on the self -esteem and self - efficacy and resilience of the care givers. Hence the study was undertaken.Aim: To study the resilience, perceived social support, self -esteem and self- efficacy in care givers of schizophrenia patients.Materials and Methods: Study was done in 275 care givers of schizophrenia attending a tertiary hospital in Warangal after fulfilling inclusion criteria. A semi - structured performance was administered to collect socio demographic details followed by Conner-Davison Resilience 25 item scale, Rosenberg self-esteem scale, General self-efficacy scale and Multidimensional scale of Perceived Social Support. Data was analysed using SPSS 28.0.Result: Care gives had moderate resilience. They had highest perceived social support from the family and lowest support from friends. The self-efficacy of the care givers were significant less compared to average international population. Care giver duration had significant negative correlation with resilience, perceived social support self-esteem and self-efficacy. All the four variables had significant positive correlation with each other.Conclusion: Care givers has poor support from friends, which implies more community level intervention is required. Care takers has moderate resilience and perceived social support from family. Care taking duration has significant negative correlation with resilience, perceived social support, self-esteem and self-efficacy. The implies in chronic illness like schizophrenic the psychological well-being of the care givers should be given importance as it has direct impact on the patient’s mental health.

Kronik Ruhsal Hastalıklarda Bakım Veren Yükünün Gözden Geçirilmesi

Review of Caregiver Burden in Chronic Mental Illnesses ABSTRACT Objective: This systematic study adimse at reviewing the research conducted to determine the burden of caregivers and related conditions among individuals with chronic diseases in our country between 2007 and 2019. Materials and Methods: The research was carried out between April 2019 and May 2019. In the study, Turkish Medline, Turkish Psychiatry Index, YÖK National Thesis Center, Turkish Medical Database and Pubmed databases were used. Of the 812 studies included in the study, 26 studies included in the research area were included in the study. Results: The reviewed studies were generally descriptive and carried out with caregivers of schizophrenia patients. In these studies, various measurement tools were used. It was found that the load perceptions of the caregivers were moderate and/or severe, and detected this perception was affected by different variables. Conclusion: In our country, the number of experimental and qualitative studies should be increased in order to determine caregiver burden in chronic mental diseases.. Keywords: Caregiver burden; psychiatric diagnosis; chronic mental disorder

Protocol on to Assess the Effectiveness of Planned Teaching on Knowledge Regarding to Adverse Effect of Antipsychotic Agents among Caregivers of Schizophrenia Patient

Background of the Study: The involvement of caregivers in treatment has been known as a vital part of mental health care. The enlarged emphasis on caregiver partaking has been to some extent driven by the shift from hospitals to primary provision of schizophrenia care in the community, where caregivers are more broadly involved in supporting consumers.
 Objectives: 1. To assess the pre-test knowledge regarding adverse effect of antipsychotic agent among caregivers of schizophrenia patients 2. To evaluate the effectiveness of planed teaching programme on knowledge regarding to antipsychotic agent among caregiver of schizophrenia patients. 3. To find out the association between post-test knowledge score with regards to adverse effect of antipsychotic agent regarding to adverse effect among caregivers of schizophrenia patients.
 Material and Methods: Pre-experimental, one group pretest and post-test design to assess the effectiveness of planed teaching on knowledge regarding adverse effect of antipsychotic agents and their response during the adverse effect among caregivers of schizophrenia patients. In this study total 100 caregivers of schizophrenia patient who full fill the inclusion criteria.
 Expected Results: This study is planned to assess the effectiveness of planed teaching on knowledge regarding to adverse effect of antipsychotic agents among caregivers of schizophrenia patients. There will be significant association between pre-test and post-test knowledge with regards to antipsychotic agents among schizophrenia patient’s caregivers.
 Conclusion: The conclusion will be drawn from the outcomes.

The burden of care and burn out syndrome in caregivers of an Egyptian sample of schizophrenia patients.

The role of caregivers of schizophrenia patients in management and prognosis is crucial, caregivers are considered cornerstones in getting better outcome and quality of life. To assess the burden of care and burn out syndrome in the caregivers of schizophrenia patients and its sociodemographic and clinical correlates. Recruiting all schizophrenia patients and their caregivers who sought help at El Mamoura hospital, Alexandria, Egypt, for assessment of burn out syndrome and burden of care and its sociodemographic and clinical correlates over full 6 months period. The study included 120 schizophrenia patient and their 120 caregivers, Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview score was 25.758 ± 7.382, which indicates high burden level. Regarding the Maslach Burnout Inventory results, the mean score of Emotional Exhaustion was 50% of the caregivers have high Emotional Exhaustion scores, 35% have moderate scores; followed by 15% with low scores. The mean score of Depersonalization 46.67% of the caregivers have high (DP) scores, 30.83% have moderate scores; while 22.50% low scores. The mean score of Personal Accomplishment was 62.50% of the caregivers have low scores; 36.67% have moderate scores, while only 0.83% have high scores. Most important correlates were, male patient, positive symptoms, continuous course of illness, noncompliance, living in rural areas, and low family income. Levels of Burn out syndrome and burden of care is high in caregivers of schizophrenia patients, caring for caregivers is very important for providing better mental health services, more research is still needed in this field.

Effectiveness of Psychoeducation Programme on Knowledge of Schizophrenia among Care Givers of the Patients with Schizophrenia, Admitted in Selected Hospital of SGR

Background: Schizophrenia is one of the commonly occurring disorders, often causing a high degree of disability to the patients, as well as being stressful to the caregivers. Many people are still unaware that there are effective treatments for schizophrenia. A combination of regular medication, family education and support reduce the relapse rate from 50% to 60%. Psychoeducation interventions provide information to patients and their families as well as provide the tools necessary to cope with the disorder. Aim: The study aimed to find the efficacy of psycho-education on knowledge regarding schizophrenia among care givers of patients by conducting pretest before intervention and posttest after intervention. Methods: Pre-experimental one group pre-test and posttest design was used for this study. The sample of 50 care givers were selected using purposive sampling technique consists of care givers of schizophrenia patients admitted in psychiatric ward. The study was conducted at the selected state govt. hospital IMHANS Srinagar J&K India. Data was collected using structured knowledge questionnaire. The researcher first explained the aim of the evaluation and invited family members to take part. After consenting to participate in the study, family members were assessed in group of twenty five. Result: mean knowledge score at pre-test was 8.94+5.101 and 27.66+1.814 at post test. There was significant difference in knowledge scores of pre-test and post-test p<0.001).There was no significant association between knowledge score and demographic variables. Conclusion: There was significant gain in knowledge score of care givers. The study concluded that psycho education was effective in increasing the knowledge of care givers of schizophrenia patients. Psycho education of the family members is the key to understand about the illness and provide better care to the patient.

Awareness, utilization and influencing factors of social supports for main informal caregivers of schizophrenia patients: a cross-sectional study in primary care settings in Beijing, China

BackgroundMost schizophrenia patients are supported by main informal caregivers at home in China. This study aims to investigate the further needs of social supports for main informal caregivers of schizophrenia patients and to analyze influencing factors on the awareness and utilization of social supports in Beijing. The results of this study could potentially act as reference for health professionals to implement appropriate and effective support programs.MethodsA mixed-methods approach was used in this study. Awareness, utilization and influencing factors of social supports for main informal caregivers were investigated using questionnaires in 6 urban districts in Beijing. Meanwhile, individual in-depth interviews with 10 main informal caregivers from the urban districts of Beijing were conducted to identify the caregivers’ perspective on social supports and their further needs.ResultsQuantitative results showed that although the government provided multi-channel resources for schizophrenia patients and their families, awareness and utilization of the resources such as rehabilitation and relevant subsidies were less than 10.0 and 5.0% respectively. Most caregivers in in-depth interviews expressed that they had negative experiences with respect to obtaining social supports, and they emphasized that more support would be needed in terms of financial support, respect, and rehabilitation institutions.ConclusionsThe awareness and utilization of social supports are low for main informal caregivers of schizophrenia patients. More services and improved public attitudes are needed for schizophrenia patients and their caregivers.

Caregiver burden and affecting factors for patients with schizophrenia

Caregiver burden is a complex concept that is influenced by many different factors. This study aimed to evaluate caregiving burden in caregivers of schizophrenia patients and to examine the effect of gender and other socio-demographic and clinical characteristics on caregiving burden. This study included 100 (50 female, 50 male) patients, who had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and their caregivers. The Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale (ZCBS), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), and Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) were administered to the caregivers. Insight Rating Scale (IRS), Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Functional Recovery Scale in Schizophrenia (FRSS), Global Assessment Scale (GAS) were administered to the patients. The caregivers of male patients had significantly higher HAM-A, HAM-D, ZCBS total and all subscale, and SCL-90-R total and all subscale scores. The male patients had significantly higher PANSS general psychopathology subscale and CDSS and lower IRS scores. Multiple regression analysis revealed that male patient gender, living in urban areas and HAM-D scores of the caregivers were predictive of ZCBS total scores. This study found that schizophrenia has a significant burden. In addition, male patient and depression level of the caregivers were determined as the predictors of the caregiven burden.

Factors Influencing Knowledge and Attitude Among the Caregivers of Patients with Schizophrenia at Mathari Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kenya

Schizophrenia is a mental disease that affects how a person feels, behaves and thinks. About 51 million people worldwide suffer from Schizophrenia globally. The main objective of the study was to determine factors that influence the knowledge and attitude of the caregivers of schizophrenic patients at Mathari Teaching and referral Hospital. Caregiver’s knowledge facilitates recognition of mental illness and health-seeking behavior. A cross- sectional descriptive study design was carried out to assess factors influencing knowledge and attitude among the caregivers of patients with schizophrenia at Mathari teaching and referral hospital, Kenya. To generate qualitative information, on knowledge and attitude the nurse in charge of the ward was selected as key informants. Data was collected using questionnaire and key informant interview. Qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis, similar themes were grouped. Schizophrenia was diagnosed using diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorder (DSM-V-TR) criteria. A total of 303 caregivers visiting the patients with schizophrenia in the wards were selected for study using systemic sampling technique. Pearson correlation coefficient, logistic regression and multiple regression was used to determine the magnitude of the correlation between dependent and independent variables. Most (72%) of the participants did not know the name of the condition which the patient was suffering from. Majority, 164 (54.1%) of the caregivers had a positive attitude towards schizophrenia. There was a perfect positive correlation with the length of time the patient had suffered from the condition (.08423 zero order) with the knowledge of the caregiver. From the study finding, there was a perfect positive correlation with age, gender, highest level of education and nature of occupation (.06543, .04186, .0088 and .0039) with the knowledge of the caregiver. There was also a perfect positive correlation with age, gender religion, relationship to client, and nature of occupation (.0054, .0009.0357, .0574 and 0068 zero orders respectively). Study findings indicated a positive correlation between knowledge and the attitude since a caregiver with more knowledge had a positive attitude. The study recommends, treatment literacy classes for caregivers of schizophrenia patients.

Burden experienced by caregivers of schizophrenia patients and its related factors

Burden experienced by caregivers of schizophrenia patients and its related factors

Burden experienced by caregivers of schizophrenia patients and its related factors.

Background: Deinstitutionalization of patients with schizophrenia shifted the primary locus of care from psychiatric hospitals to family and informal caregivers. Family members often play a vital role as caregivers in the lives of individuals with schizophrenia and other serious mental illnesses. This study aimed to assess the burden experienced by the caregivers of patients with schizophrenia and to evaluate its correlation with some demographic characteristics of patients, their caregivers, and the level of expressed emotion in the family. Methods: This descriptive-analytic study was conducted on 172 schizophrenic patients and their primary caregivers, selected from the outpatient department of a psychiatric hospital in Tehran, Iran, using convenience sampling. Caregivers were evaluated with Zarit Burden Interview and Family Questionnaire to assess the burden experienced by the caregivers and the level of expressed emotion in the family, respectively. Data were analyzed using Spearman correlation coefficient and linear regression method. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (Version 21) and significance level was set at p< 0.05. Results: The level of burden experienced by most of primary caregivers was higher than moderate. The scores obtained in the subscales of emotional over involvement and critical comments were higher than the cutoff point in 51.7% and 64.5% of caregivers, respectively, and the scores had a significant direct correlation with the burden experienced by the caregivers. The findings of multiple linear regression showed that lower family income (β= -0.33, p< 0.001), higher duration of disorder (β= 0.19, p= 0.006), and younger age at onset of the disorder (β= -0.26, p= 0.001) were predictive of higher burden of disease on caregivers. Conclusion: Based on the results, some demographic factors of the primary caregivers, patients, and their family significantly affected the burden experienced by the primary caregivers. Most of the caregivers had high expressed emotions and a significant direct association existed between the expressed emotions and the burden experienced.

Determining a cutoff score for the family burden interview schedule using three statistical methods

BackgroundWhile it is widely acknowledged that family burden can be ameliorated with effective psycho-social interventions, how to measure family burden and define a valid cutoff to identify family caregivers in need of such interventions remains a key question. The purpose of the present study was to determine a statistically valid cutoff score for the Family Burden Interview Schedule (FBIS), using the cutoff scores of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) as the reference.MethodsThe FBIS, PHQ-9, and GAD-7 were administered to a representative community sample of 327 family caregivers of schizophrenia patients. A FBIS cutoff score was determined using three different statistical methods: tree-based modeling, K-means clustering technique and linear regression. Contingency analysis was conducted to compare the FBIS cutoff with depression and anxiety scale scores.ResultsFindings proposed a cutoff score of 23 for the FBIS, with sensitivity being 76% for PHQ-9 and 74% for GAD-7, specificity being 68% for PHQ-9 and 67% for GAD-7.ConclusionThis cutoff score would enable health care providers to assess family caregivers at risk and provide necessary interventions to improve their quality of life.

Family psychoeducation with caregivers of schizophrenia patients: Impact on perceived quality of life

Background:Schizophrenia is a devastating and chronic mental illness. Considering the nature of illness along with routine psychiatric care, various supportive therapies are recommended. Family psychoeducational approach has been developed to increase patients' as well as their caregivers' knowledge and insight into their illness. It is postulated that this increased knowledge and insight will enable people with schizophrenia and their caregivers to cope in a more effective way with the consequences of their illness, thereby improving prognosis.Aim:The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of family psychoeducation intervention on the caregivers of schizophrenia patients with respect to their perceived quality of life.Materials and Methods:A total of 30 caregivers of male schizophrenia patients were selected through purposive sampling technique. Patients were divided into two groups, namely, experimental and control group. Family psychoeducation intervention was given on twice-monthly basis for 6 months to the experimental group caregivers. Baseline assessment was carried out with the help of WHO Quality of Life-BREF followed by intervention and then posttherapeutic assessment was done with same tool.Results:Most of the caregivers were above 40 years of age group, married, and male. Following family psychoeducation, significant improvement in overall quality of life scores was observed in experimental group caregivers compared to control group caregivers where no such intervention was provided.Conclusion:Family psychoeducation is feasible and useful in our clinical population.

A study of psychological distress in caregivers of schizophrenia patients

Introduction: Mental illness in a family member can be a huge burden and problematic on the care givers and family. The study was conducted with the aim of assessing the psychological distress and caregiver burden among care givers of schizophrenia patients. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, detailed history, relevant sociodemographic details, clinical and psychological assessment findings were documented in a structured proforma in all the subjects. Burden assessment schedule (BAS) was administered to assess caregiver burden, Self-reporting questionnaire 20 (SRQ 20) to assess psychological distress among the caregivers and Positive and Negative symptom scale (PANSS) for severity of symptoms in schizophrenic patients. Results: A total of 40 subjects were included in the study. The mean age of the study population was 44.08 ± 12.12, 12(30%) participants were males and 28(70%) were females. The mean total caregiving time of study population was 7.63 ± 2.37 with the range 3 to 12 hours/days. 15 caregivers (37.50%) had psychological distress, and 25(62.50%) had no psychological distress. On univariate analysis, age, caregiver burden, total caregiving time (hours/day), negative symptoms and total PANSS score were found to be significantly associated with psychological distress among caregivers. After adjusting for the effect of other variables in the equation, it was found that the odds of psychological distress increased 1.09 times (95% CI 1.108 to 1.186, P value 0.015) with one unit increase in severity of caregiver burden. Conclusion: The most important predictive factor of psychological distress in caregivers was the severity caregiving burden. Keywords: Family, Caregivers, Psychological stress, Schizophrenia.

Investigation of the effect between care burden and quality of life in caregivers of schizophrenia patients

Investigation of the effect between care burden and quality of life in caregivers of schizophrenia patients