Burden And Coping Among Family Caregivers Living With Schizophrenic Patients In Nepal

Background and Objective:Caring for schizophrenic patient is an enduring effect among family caregivers and gives extensive burden. Little research has carried out to know the extent of burden among family caregivers of schizophrenia in Nepal. The aim of this study was to explore the extent of the burden and identify coping strategies adopted by family caregivers living with schizophrenic patients.Methods:A descriptive cross sectional study was undertaken to assess the extent of the burden and coping, using purposive sampling technique among of147family caregivers of Schizophrenic patient from inpatient and out-patient department of psychiatric hospital and neuropsychiatric department of hospital of Nepal.Demographic data sheet, Zarit burden interview scale and Brief cope scale were administered to the caregivers. Followings analysis was used to examine the descriptive statistics, relationship of demographic data, burden and coping scale as well as the correlation between burden and coping strategies respectively, using: descriptive statistic, independent t test/ANOVA and spearmen rank bivariate correlation.The results:Findings revealed that the family caregivers experienced mild (36.7%) to moderate (46.9%) extent of burden, the total mean burden score was39.27±12.38. Caregivers found to be used mostly problem focused coping strategies (using of instrumental support, emotional support, Acceptance and religion) rather emotional strategies. The burden was positive and significantly correlated with substance use, denial, use of instrumental support, Behavior disengagement, venting, and humor coping strategies. However, it was negatively and non significantly correlated with Acceptance, religion, emotional support, positive refraining and self-distraction. Conclusion; Caregivers experienced a moderate extent of burden. Most Coping strategies were positively associated with the burden. The study suggests that there should be an effort made to ease the burden and effective use of coping through the some psycho educational intervention for family caregivers at hospital and community for a better outcome of both patient and family caregivers.