Level of caregiver burden: a study on caregivers of patient with schizophrenia at the national institute of mental health (NIMH) IN BANGLADESH

Abstract

Background: Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe and disabling mental disorder that causes serious consequences for those with the illness, as well as those who care for them. It has significant physical, emotional and socio-economic costs for those with the condition as well as their families. Objectives of the study: To explore the socio-demographic picture of the caregivers of PWS in Bangladesh, explore the level of burden of caregivers, identify the caregiver‟s burden in the relationship, emotional well-being, social and family life, finances and loss of control over one's life and determine the association between age, sex, occupation, relation, duration of care giving and level of care giving Methodology: The study conducted through cross-sectional design among 121 participants who were selected from National Institute of Mental Health by a structure questionnaire with face to face interview. Data was analyzed by using Statistical Package for social science. Result and Discussion: After analyzing data, it was found that most of the caregivers (63.6%) of PWS faced moderate to severe level of burden and in terms of all five domains. Most of the caregivers faced with also moderate to severe burden about Burden in the relationship (65.3%), Emotional wellbeing (57.9%), Social and family life (42.1%), Finances (38.8%) and Loss of control over one's life (63.6%). Caregivers‟ burden level was significantly associated with caregiver characteristics: Sex (P <0.001), relationship with patient (P <0.000), care giving duration (P <0.030). Female caregivers who were housewives, mother in relationship with the PWS giving long duration of care exhibit severe burden. Conclusion: The study findings will be helpful for occupational therapists to know the situation of care given to Schizophrenic Patient in Bangladeshi perspective and in future caregiver will be benefited to reduce burden as much as possible. Occupational therapists have an important role to promote a better social and psychological support for quality life of caregiver and PWS. Key words: Burden, Caregiver, NIMH, Patient with schizophrenia