Family Burden in Caregivers of Schizophrenia Patients: Prevalence and Socio-demographic Correlates

Background: This study aims to determine the prevalence and socio-demographic correlates of caregiver's burden in schizophrenia.

Materials and methods: A dyad of 368 schizophrenia patients and their caregivers were interviewed. Caregiver's burden was assessed using the Yoruba-version of the FBIS and GHQ-12.

Results: Mean age of patients was 29.7 SD (8.6) years. Of the 368 caregivers, 81.5% were parents, mean age was 58.1 years (SD 19.6). Total mean objective FBIS score was 22.69 (6.21), 324 (85.3%) reported total objective burden and 310 (84.2%), subjective burden. There were significant differential demographic associations with caregivers' burden.

Conclusion: Caregivers of schizophrenia patients experience enormous burden and are potential "high risk group" for mental disorders. Thus, they require comprehensive intervention in order to reduce the growing incidence of chronic enduring diseases including mental disorders.