FREQUENCY OF FAMILY BURDEN AMONG CAREGIVERS OF PATIENTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA

Abstract

Background: The life time prevalence of Schizophrenia is significant. Studies have shown that schizophrenia causes family
burden among caregivers leading to unhealthy family functioning.

Objective: To determine the family burden among care givers
of patients having Schizopheria. Methodology: The sample size in this study was calculated and the cross sectional study was
carried out at Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Sheikh Zayed Medical College/Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan from
st st 1 June 2014 to 31 March 2015.Sampling technique was non probability purposive sampling. Care givers of the included 130
patients having schizopheria was calculated using 14% expected family burden at 6% margin of error and 95% confidence level
using WHO formula. Both genders, age ranged between 18-60 years and care givers of patients having at least 2 years history of
schizophrenia was included. The data was collected using a structured proforma. The participants were assessed with a
comprehensive battery of using Zarit burden interview scale which explores negative physical, mental, social and economic
impacts of care giving on the life of caregivers.

Results: Mean age of all 130 care givers was 34.03±11.59 years. There were 65 male and 65 female care givers. As per ZARIT score, 01(0.8%) care giver had mild to moderate burden, 42 (32.3%) had moderate to severe burden and 87 (6.9%) care givers had severe burden. It was observed that in younger age groups the burden was high as that of elderly age group but this difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion: Relatives of patients with schizophrenia face enormous burdens, with financial, stigma and negative patient behavior being more prominent.