Impact on women who care for those with schizophrenia

Abstract

This study examined the impact of caring on women who were primary care-givers to those with schizophrenia. From the 46 women and 21 men carers assessed for the study, women were considered primary care-givers more often than men (83% v. 57%). Higher levels of burden among women primary carers were associated with living with patients, and more hours in contact with them. Worse perception of patients' social functioning was associated with higher levels of burden. The findings of the study showed that women primary carers have particular needs, and services should consider how to provide support for them in their multiple roles, and over longer periods of time.