Burden of care in caregivers of patients with schizophrenia and epilepsy

ABSTRACT

To find out the burden of care and associated mental health problems in caregivers of patients with schizophrenia and epilepsy. Cross sectional study. This study was conducted at the Department of Psychiatry, Sir Ganga Raam Hospital, Lahore, from January to September 2010. A total of 100 caregivers [50 each] of patients suffering from schizophrenia and epilepsy presented to the outdoor patient department were included in the study. Burden assessment Scale, General Health Questionnaire-28 and a semi structured proforma for recording their demographic details were used in the study. Forty nine percent caregivers of patients of schizophrenia and epilepsy showed high burden of care on Burden Assessment Scale. Overall, 55% of caregivers had higher scores on General Health Questionnaire showing poor psychological well being and problems with their mental health. There were highly significant positive relationship [p<.001] between BAS, GHQ and all their subscales i.e., objective burden, subjective burden, somatic symptoms, anxiety and insomnia, social dysfunction and severe depression. Almost half of the caregivers showed high burden of care and the majority had problems with their mental health