Chiu-Yueh Hsiao1,2, Huei-Lan Lu3, Yun-Fang Tsai4,5,6. 1. School of Nursing, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, 259, Wen-Hwa 1st Rd Taiwan, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan, Republic of China. 2. Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan, Republic of China. 3. Jianan Psychiatric Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare, No. 80, Ln. 870, Zhongshan Rd., Rende, Tai-nan, 717, Taiwan, Republic of China. 4. School of Nursing, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, 259, Wen-Hwa 1st Rd Taiwan, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan, Republic of China. yftsai@mail.cgu.edu.tw. 5. Department of Nursing, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, 261, Wen-Hwa 1st Rd, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan, Republic of China. yftsai@mail.cgu.edu.tw. 6. Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Keelung, 222, Maijin Rd, Keelung, 204, Taiwan, Republic of China. yftsai@mail.cgu.edu.tw.
Abstract
PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine correlates of caregiver burden and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among primary family caregivers of individuals with schizophrenia in inpatient psychiatric rehabilitation facilities. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 157 Taiwanese primary family caregivers of individuals with schizophrenia residing in inpatient psychiatric facilities. Measures included socio-demographic questionnaires and clinical information, Mutuality Scale, Family Crisis-Oriented Personal Evaluation Scales, Zarit Burden Interview, and World Health Organization Quality of Life-brief version. To describe the degree of caregiver burden and domains of HRQoL, descriptive statistics were computed. Independent sample t test, one-way analysis of variance, and Pearson's correlation analysis followed by multiple regression analyses were performed to determine correlations and relationships between characteristics of patients and primary family caregivers with caregiver burden and domains of HRQoL. RESULTS: Primary family caregivers experienced mild to moderate caregiver burden and poor HRQoL. Primary family caregivers who were older and unemployed, caring for patient's severe psychiatric symptoms, and had low monthly incomes, decreased mutuality, and fewer family coping strategies were associated with greater caregiver burden and poor HRQoL. Greater mutuality and family coping strategies of reframing and seeking spiritual support were the most significant factors in improving caregiver burden and all domains of HRQoL, respectively. CONCLUSION: Family-focused interventions for caregivers of institutionalized persons with schizophrenia that include psychological support and peer support groups are recommended to enhance mutuality and family coping strategies, reduce caregiver burden, and improve HRQoL.
PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine correlates of caregiver burden and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among primary family caregivers of individuals with schizophrenia in inpatient psychiatric rehabilitation facilities. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 157 Taiwanese primary family caregivers of individuals with schizophrenia residing in inpatient psychiatric facilities. Measures included socio-demographic questionnaires and clinical information, Mutuality Scale, Family Crisis-Oriented Personal Evaluation Scales, Zarit Burden Interview, and World Health Organization Quality of Life-brief version. To describe the degree of caregiver burden and domains of HRQoL, descriptive statistics were computed. Independent sample t test, one-way analysis of variance, and Pearson's correlation analysis followed by multiple regression analyses were performed to determine correlations and relationships between characteristics of patients and primary family caregivers with caregiver burden and domains of HRQoL. RESULTS: Primary family caregivers experienced mild to moderate caregiver burden and poor HRQoL. Primary family caregivers who were older and unemployed, caring for patient's severe psychiatric symptoms, and had low monthly incomes, decreased mutuality, and fewer family coping strategies were associated with greater caregiver burden and poor HRQoL. Greater mutuality and family coping strategies of reframing and seeking spiritual support were the most significant factors in improving caregiver burden and all domains of HRQoL, respectively. CONCLUSION: Family-focused interventions for caregivers of institutionalized persons with schizophrenia that include psychological support and peer support groups are recommended to enhance mutuality and family coping strategies, reduce caregiver burden, and improve HRQoL.
Entities:
Keywords:
Caregiver burden; Family coping strategies; Health-related quality of life; Mutuality; Primary family caregiver; Schizophrenia