Quality of life among caregivers of patients with schizophrenia: a cross-cultural comparison of Chilean and French families

Abstract

BackgroundTo our knowledge, no study has examined quality of life (QoL) among caregivers of individuals with schizophrenia between a developing and a developed country. The aim of this study was to assess QoL of the caregivers of individuals with schizophrenia in two countries characterized by different social, economic and cultural conditions, namely Chile and France.MethodsData were collected from public mental health outpatient services in Arica (Chile), and in Marseille (France). QoL was measured with the short-form health survey scale - 36 items (SF36). QoL of 41 Chilean caregivers was firstly compared with 245 French caregivers. Univariate and multivariate analyses using linear regression were then performed to determine variables potentially related to QoL scores.ResultsThe caregivers were primarily mothers in the two groups, but Chilean caregivers were younger, and lived more frequently with the individual with schizophrenia than French caregivers. The SF36 scores were globally low in the two groups, especially on the mental QoL scores. Chilean caregivers reported lower physical SF36 scores than French caregivers. In the multivariate analysis, being mother and Chilean caregivers were the most regular features associating to a lower QoL.ConclusionDespite differences between Chile and France, especially in terms of quality and quantity of mental health services and economic supports, caregivers’ QoL levels remain particularly low for both countries. Future support programmes should address the specific needs of caregivers.

Quality of life and other outcome measures in caregivers of patients with schizophrenia

“…Relatives have thus become the most important caregivers for adults with major psychiatric disorders and supply the patient with care and support [6]. Several studies have explored the impact of caring psychiatric patients [2,[7][8][9][10] and have reported that caring for a patient with schizophrenia resulted in a significant and substantial burden [11,12], lower quality of life levels [13,14], restricted roles and activities and increased psychosomatic, anxious or depressive symptoms [15,16]. In addition, caregivers' negative experience may affect their ability to care for the patients [4,17].…”

Web Based Supportive Intervention for Families Living with Schizophrenia—An Open Trial

“…Restoration of patient functioning in family and social roles, lack of spare time, and economic burden are some of the factors causing the distress, which can be subjects for future interventions [3]. Boyer et al [4] suggest interventions focusing on coping strategies, the improvement of the social network, stigma reduction and the development of personal strength to improve caregivers' QoL.…”

Pengalaman Caregiver dalam Merawat Klien Skizofrenia di Kota Sungai Penuh

“…Caregiver dapat mengalami penurunan kualitas hidup dalam merawat klien skizofrenia. Penelitian Boyer et al (2012) Rendahnya tingkat pengetahuan yang terjadi dapat dipengaruhi oleh tingkat pendidikan caregiver yang juga berada dalam ketgori rendah yaitu rata-rata SMP, dan usia caregiver yang diatas 40 tahun serta yang rata-rata caregiver adalah perempuan.…”

“…Hasil ini, sejalan dengan penelitian Boyer et al (2012) meyatakan bahwa rasa tanggung jawab yang dimiliki oleh caregiver merupakan srategi yang diguankan oleh caregiver dalam merawat klien skizofrenia. Strategi ini sebagian besar digunakan oleh caregiver yang berperan sebagai seorang ibu.…”