Caregivers of schizophrenic patients in Calabar: Extent and predictors of burden

Abstract

Objectives: Caregivers of people with mental disorders usually experience consequences which might generate burden and have an effect on each aspect of their life. This study aimed to assess the extent and associated factors of burden on caregivers of schizophrenic patients seen at the Federal Psychiatric Hospital Calabar, Nigeria. Material and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study design was used to study 100 consecutive caregivers of patients with schizophrenia seen at the outpatient clinic of the hospital between 15 December 2019 and 21 April 2020. Data were collected from the study participants using socio-demographic questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), and Family Burden Interview Schedule. Quantitative data were presented as mean (standard deviation) and categorical data as frequency/percentages. Statistical analysis was performed using independent sample t-test. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine the predictors of burden on caregivers. All values of P < 0.05 were considered significant. Results: Ninety percent and 88% of the caregivers, respectively, had some level of objective and subjective burden. The factors associated with objective burden on the caregivers were employment status of the patient, BPRS score, number of suicide attempts, and number of hours per week the caregiver was in contact with the patient. The subjective burden was associated with BPRS score, number of hospitalization, number of relapses, monthly income of the caregiver, and caregiver’s level of education. The employment status of the patient significantly predicted objective burden on the caregiver (P < 0.001). Conclusion: This study showed that caregivers of patients with schizophrenia experience high level of burden. The study also identified factors which might guide clinicians to institute intervention programs aimed toward reducing burden on the caregivers of schizophrenic patients.