Family Caregivers’ Burden of Patients with Schizophrenia at a Selected Hospital in Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Family caregivers of patients with Schizophrenia experience severe burden than other mental health disorders but the importance is overlooked. Family caregivers’ burden is a crucial global concern that must be addressed early to prevent or decrease its detrimental consequences. Objective: This study aimed to assess the family caregivers’ burden of patients with Schizophrenia at a selected hospital in Bangladesh. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 110 family caregivers’ who were selected by using the convenience sampling technique. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews. After data collection, it was analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: It was found that the majority (74.55%) of the family caregivers of Schizophrenic patients experienced severe burden. Caregivers’ age; gender; marital status; level of education; residence; occupation, children number; monthly family income; duration of caregiving; duration of caregiving per day; and relationship with the patient were significantly associated with their burden. Conclusion: Family-centered interventions focusing on caregivers’ burden are required to enhance the strength of their capability to take care the patients with Schizophrenia. The findings of this study would be valuable to the health care providers including nurses and policy makers to minimize the caregivers’ burden in caring for Schizophrenic patients.