Sejal Macwan, Bigi Thomas
Background:
Murthy (2010) stated that almost all the patients with schizophrenia do stay
with families in India. In this regard caring for the patient with psychotic
disorders needs high consideration than any other physical or mental illness. The
family is primarily responsible for fulfilling the desires. A family caregiver
is the one who provides honorary service to the ill family member. During this
caregiving journey, the caregivers have to burden several other
responsibilities. This web of responsibilities may trigger problems related to physical,
psychological, social, financial, and many more.
Aim:
The study aims to investigate various problems faced by the family caregivers
of patients with schizophrenia and to examine the relationship among
the Problems of family caregivers of schizophrenia.
Method:
The quantitative study was carried out with the 200 family caregivers of the
patients with schizophrenia in the Government hospitals of mental health of
Gujarat state. Disproportionate Random Sampling method was used. A self-structured
interview schedule was prepared for the present study by referring to the
Burden Assessment Scale of Thara et al. (1998) and the Zarit Burden
Interview.
Results:
The impact of caregiving in social life was reported by the majority of the
respondents. Disruptions in family stability, frustration, loneliness,
isolation, aggressiveness, etc. were experienced by the respondents. Along with
such psychological problems, they also encountered several physical problems
and financial problems.
Conclusion:
The outcome of the present study points out that the family caregivers of
schizophrenic patients come across many problems due to multiple
responsibilities on them.
Patient with
schizophrenia, Psychotic disorder, Family caregivers, Problems
VOL.14, ISSUE No.1, March 2022