Caregiver burden is associated with disability in schizophrenia: Results of a study from a rural setting of south India

Abstract

Background: Taking care of patients with schizophrenia is a major source of burden to the family. Research on burden experienced by family members of patients living in rural communities is sparse. Methods: Data were obtained from a community intervention program for psychoses in a rural community of south India, where persons with severe mental disorders were identified, treated and followed up. As part of the program, caregivers of 245 schizophrenia patients were interviewed using the Burden Assessment Schedule. Psychopathology (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale; PANSS), treatment status and disability (Indian Disability Evaluation and Assessment Scale; IDEAS) experienced by the patients were also assessed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to study the influence of different factors on the caregiver burden. Results: Level of burden had a significant direct correlation with disability (Pearson’s r = .35; p < .01) and severity of psychopathology (r = .21; p < .01). Duration of treatment had an inverse correlation with burden (Pearson’s r = −.16; p < .01). Multivariate analysis revealed that total IDEAS score (Beta = .28; t = 4.37; p ≤ .01), duration of treatment (Beta = −.17; t = −2.58; p = .01), age of the family caregiver (Beta = .15; t = 2.4; p = .02) and gender of the patient (Beta = −.13; t = −2.1; p = .04) were significant predictors of burden. The model including total IDEAS score explained 14% of variance (adjusted R2 = .139; p < .01). Conclusion: Burden experienced by family caregivers of schizophrenia patients depends on the level of disability experienced by the patient, age of the family caregivers and gender of the patient. Interventions to reduce disability of the patients may reduce the caregiver burden.