Demographic factors and clinical correlates of burden and distress in relatives of service users experiencing schizophrenia: A study from south‐western Nigeria

Abstract

Caregivers burden is an important area of clinical work that is often neglected, particularly in relatives of patients with psychosis. The aim of the present study is to examine if some demographic factors and symptoms of illness bear a relationship with burden and distress levels in their caregivers. This cross-sectional study involved patients with chronic schizophrenia and their relatives. The Carer Burden Index and the 30-item General Health Questionnaire was used to assess burden and distress in relatives, and positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia in the patients were rated using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale and the Scale for Assessment of Negative Symptoms, respectively. High levels of emotional distress and burden were observed in the caregivers and they were significantly associated with some demographic variables. They were also significantly associated with positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Because Nigerian families continue to play a primary caregiving role for their relatives experiencing schizophrenia, there is a need to focus on specific interventions that will reduce their high levels of distress and burden.

Perceived economic and behavioural effects of the mentally ill on their relatives in Kenya: a case study of the Mathari Hospital

“…This speculation is illustrated in the findings of a Nigerian study which reported that despite the high levels of burden experienced, families expressed the wish to continue caring for their relatives in the communities. 8 Since caregiving to mentally ill patients can also lead to positive and rewarding experiences on the part of relatives, it is therefore not always exclusively burdensome. 13 The action taken by relatives was generally reflective of the level of effect on the family and different coping strategies were used.…”

“…As observed by another study, since relatives continue to play a caregiving role for patients experiencing a mental illness, there is need to focus on specific interventions that would reduce their high levels of distress and burden. 8 At the same time, the emotional and social impact of the mental illness on children in particular, and the family as a whole should be addressed, given that mental illness has been found to have a detrimental effect on children. 4,17 Other studies have suggested that even in a society with strong family networks, family psychoeducation on the nature of mental illness and dealing with its stigma and family burdens be used as an intervention.…”

“…Several studies from Africa have addressed the issue of the burden of care giving on families of mentally ill patients. [5][6][7][8] However, no study has been conducted in Kenya on the subjective and objective dimensions of the burden of care on relatives of psychiatric in-patients. This study aimed to fill the gap in the knowledge of the extent of this burden, and to provide suggestions for possible interventions at both policy and practice levels in the Kenyan context.…”

“Left Alone with Straining but Inescapable Responsibilities:” Relatives’ Experiences with Mental Health Services

“…These relatives experience burden due to their relationship with the mentally ill person (Foldemo, Gullberg, Ek, & Bogren, 2005;Hadryś, Adamowski, & Kiejna, 2011;Ivarsson, Sidenvall, & Carlsson, 2004;Ukpong, 2006), which affects several areas of their everyday lives (Schmid, Spiessl, Vukovitch, & Cording, 2003). Burden is found to be composed of the impact that a person's mental illness has on relatives' marital relationship, appreciation for caring, and relationships with others, and is influenced by the perceived severity of the disease, and the relatives' sense of well-being (Sell, Thara, Padmavati, 704 B. M. WEIMAND ET AL.…”

A comparative study of psychiatric morbidity and associated factors in carers of patients with schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder in Nigeria

“…Most studies conducted in Nigeria on caregiver burden have been among relatives of patients with schizophrenia, with a dearth of literature on relatives of patients with bipolar affective disorder (9)(10)(11)(12)(13).…”