Family Burden in Caregivers of Schizophrenia Patients

Abstract

Introduction

Schizophrenia is a disabling, chronic psychiatric disorder that has far-reaching consequences for both patients and their relatives. Management of schizophrenia involves family support and care. In this context, burden of care is a concept related to caregivers and family's members of patients assuming responsibility for these patients. This construct can be conceptualized as a syndrome of varying clustering affecting the general and mental health of caregivers.

Objectives

This study aims to determine the frequency and clinical correlates of family burden in schizophrenia.

Methods

We performed a transversal study in department of psychiatry A at Razi hospital. Thirty principal caregivers of schizophrenia patients were interviewed. Caregiver's burden was assessed using the Zarit scale.

Results

The mean age of caregivers was 48.7 ± 7.15 years. In our sample, 63.3% (n = 19) were parents, 23.33% (n = 7) were brothers or sisters and 13.33% (n = 4) were spouses. The mean score of Zarit was 58.75 ± 9.15. Caregivers had a severe burden in 56.66 of cases (n = 17). Levels of burden were significantly associated with history of aggressive acting out and poor treatment adherence.

Conclusion

Caregivers of schizophrenia patients experience enormous burden which is in part related to clinical features of disease. Further studies are necessary to establish the appropriate interventions in order to reduce and manage general and psychological impact of schizophrenic patients care giving.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.