The burden of care and burn out syndrome in caregivers of an Egyptian sample of schizophrenia patients

Abstract

Background: The role of caregivers of schizophrenia patients in management and prognosis is crucial, caregivers are considered cornerstones in getting better outcome and quality of life. Aim: To assess the burden of care and burn out syndrome in the caregivers of schizophrenia patients and its sociodemographic and clinical correlates. Methods: Recruiting all schizophrenia patients and their caregivers who sought help at El Mamoura hospital, Alexandria, Egypt, for assessment of burn out syndrome and burden of care and its sociodemographic and clinical correlates over full 6 months period. Results: The study included 120 schizophrenia patient and their 120 caregivers, Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview score was 25.758 ± 7.382, which indicates high burden level. Regarding the Maslach Burnout Inventory results, the mean score of Emotional Exhaustion was 50% of the caregivers have high Emotional Exhaustion scores, 35% have moderate scores; followed by 15% with low scores. The mean score of Depersonalization 46.67% of the caregivers have high (DP) scores, 30.83% have moderate scores; while 22.50% low scores. The mean score of Personal Accomplishment was 62.50% of the caregivers have low scores; 36.67% have moderate scores, while only 0.83% have high scores. Most important correlates were, male patient, positive symptoms, continuous course of illness, noncompliance, living in rural areas, and low family income. Conclusions: Levels of Burn out syndrome and burden of care is high in caregivers of schizophrenia patients, caring for caregivers is very important for providing better mental health services, more research is still needed in this field.