Level of Caregiver Burden: A Cross-sectional survey of Caregivers of Personwith Schizophrenia, National Institute of Mental Health,Bangladesh

Md. Safayeter Rahman; Nazmun Nahar

Md. Safayeter Rahman^(1*), Nazmun Nahar⁽²⁾

(1) Affiliation
(2) Affiliation
(*) Corresponding Author

Abstract

Background: Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe and disabling mental disorder that causes serious consequences forthose with illness, as well as those who care for them. It has significant physical, emotional and socio-economicconsequence for those with the condition as well as their families. It poses several challenges in its management andhave significant burden to the patient as well as on the caregiver. Caregivers’ burden is a complex issue. Shiftingburden of care from hospital to caregiver, families, and on society is direct and indirect. Burden on caregiver ismore defined by its impacts and consequences. The aim of the study was to investigate the level of burden on thecaregivers of persons with Schizophrenia (PWS).

Method: A cross-sectional survey of 121 caregivers of schizophrenia patients was carried out. Participants wereselected from the National Institute of Mental Health. Zarit Burden Interview was used to collect information oncaregivers’ burden.

Result: The study found that majority of the caregivers (63.6%) of person with schizophrenia experienced moderateto severe level of burden. Most of the caregivers (63.6%) faced moderate to severe burden in the relationship(65.3%), emotional wellbeing (57.9%), social and family life (42.1%), finances (38.8%) and loss of control overone’s life (63.6%). Caregivers’ burden level was significantly associated with some demographic characteristics:Sex (P <0.001), relationship with patient (P <0.001), care giving duration (P <0.03). Female caregivers who werehousewives or mother of the PWS and were taking care of the patients for a long duration exhibit severe burden.

Conclusion: Occupational therapists have an important role to promote a better social and psychological support forensuring improved quality of life of caregiver and as well as PWS.Therefore, it is recommended that occupationaltherapy program for PWS also target their caregivers.