Correlates of Caregiver Burden among Family Members of Patients with Schizophrenia at Benha Psychiatric Health and Addiction Hospital

Abstract

Background: The role of caregivers in management and prognosis for patient with schizophrenia is crucial; caregivers are considered cornerstones in getting better outcome and quality of life. Aim of the study: Assess correlates of caregivers' burden among family members of patients with schizophrenia. Research Design: Descriptive correlation design was utilized in this study to fulfill the aim of this study. Setting: This study was conducted at Psychiatric Health and Addiction Hospital in Benha City, Qalubia Governorate. Sample: A purposive sample of hundred caregivers and their patients were included in the study. Tools: Four tools were used to measure the current study variables. Tool (1) Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics structured interview sheet. Tool (2): Assessment of positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Tool (3): Zarit Burden Interview. Tool (4): The Connor-Davidson Resilience scale. Results: Indicated moderate to severe level of burden among caregivers. Also, results revealed that negative statistical significant correlation was found between caregivers of patients with schizophrenia burden and their resilience and statistical significant positive correlation was found between caregivers burdens and positive and negative symptoms among patients with schizophrenia. Conclusion: Family caregivers' burdens are associated with their age, educational level, patient number and duration of hospitalization and resilience. Recommendation: A rehabilitation program must be conducted for family caregivers to enhance their resilience and consequently their coping skills, and hence their quality of life becomes better.