A Study Of The Burden Of Care And The Needs Of Caregivers Of Patients With Schizophrenia

ABSTRACT

Background: There were very few Indian studies regarding caregiver burden and needs of caregivers in patients of schizophrenia. Methodology: The study evaluated socio–demographic data, caregiver burden, caregiver needs and their associations in caregivers ofschizophrenia. Conclusions: The mean age of the caregivers was 51 years.There were equal number of males and females. Most of the caregivers were married, parents of the patient, Hindu by religion and belonged to the lower middle class.Most of the caregivers felt moderate to severe burden. The most frequently expressed need (85%) was for effective doctor patient skills. Other expressed needs were those for correct cognitive disorder management (83.33%), correct behavioral disorder management (81.67%), information about applying for economic help (76.67%) and emotional support for problems pertaining role change (80.00%) . Implications These are important implications for mental health services, training of mental health professionals, research and policy guidelines.