Family Care Burden and its Association with Psychological Distress Among Caregivers of Chronic Patients with Schizophrenia

Abstract

Background: Family burden among caregivers of patients with schizophrenia encounter comprehensive caregiving challenges to maintain their own physical as well as psychological distress and it can deteriorate the family functioning. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between family care burden and psychological distress among caregivers of chronic patients with schizophrenia. Methods and Materials: The study was cross-sectional. It was conducted at the outpatient department of the Central Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Dewada, Rajnandgoan, Chhattisgarh, India. A total of 260 samples were selected through a purposive sampling technique and informed about the study after giving their informed consent. Sociodemographics, a burden assessment schedule, and depression, anxiety, and stress scale were all part of the interview. Result: The study results showed a high level of care burden (70.8%) in the caregivers of patients with schizophrenia. The majority of the caregivers reported a severe level of stress (59.2%), anxiety (56.2%), and depression (48.5%). The result of the study indicated a significant positive relationship between family care burden and stress, anxiety, and depression among caregivers of chronic patients with schizophrenia. Conclusion: The study suggests the high prevalence of care burden which strongly contributes to psychological distress. These caregivers need psychosocial interventions to enhance the overall family environment to have a better adaptive state among families.