O cuidador e a sobrecarga do cuidado à saúde de pacientes egressos de internação psiquiátrica

Abstract

Objective: To identify the sociodemographic characteristics and the level of burden on family caregivers of patients discharged from psychiatric hospitalization. Methods: A quantitative exploratory study, performed in an outpatient mental health setting, using a questionnaire and the Burden Assessment Scale for Families. The sample was composed of 21 caregivers of patients discharged from psychiatric hospitalization. Results: All caregivers had a family relationship, the mean age was 46 years, of whom the majority were women. Mothers were the primary caregivers in 38% of the cases. All presented a level of burden, with the objective lens predominantly higher. The highest mean scores were related to concerns about physical security and the future of the patient. Conclusion: Considerable family burden was identified among caregivers, which highlights the importance of a collaborative relationship between mental health services, patients, their caregivers and their families for better maintenance of psychiatric treatments.