Factors Affecting Quality of Life and Family Burden among the Families of Patients with Schizophrenia / 대한정신분열병학회지

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Study aimed to identify factors that may affect family burden and quality of life (QOL) of primary caregivers in schizophrenia family. METHODS: Among outpatients with schizophrenia undergoing treatment at the psychiatric department of a university hospital, 72 patients and their primary caregivers were investigated. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: As a result of multiple regression of primary caregivers’ family burden (R²=0.284), primary caregiver’s income (p=0.001) and patient’s delusional symptoms (p=0.001) significantly explained the total family burden of primary caregivers. In multiple regression on QOL (R²=0.515), primary caregiver’s income (p=0.033) and education level (p=0.006), patient’s sex (p=0.006), treatment duration (p<0.001), degree of disorganized speech (p=0.008), negative drug attitudes (p=0.026) and the attitude of overcoming stigma against mental patients (p=0.029) all significantly explained the average QOL score. CONCLUSION: Various factors determining primary caregiver’s QOL, including Clinical symptoms such as patient’s disorganized speech and clinically correctable factors such as negative drug attitude and insight into disease. Therefore, provision of education regarding drug and disease for patients and caregivers will be helpful to effectively reduce burden and improve the QOL of primary caregivers.