PSYCHOSOCIAL BURDEN AMONG CAREGIVERS OF PATIENTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA IN EGYPT

Abstract

Most studies of family burden have been conducted in developed countries, thus it is important to conduct studies in developing countries, namely Egypt.
Aim of the study: To evaluate the psychosocial burden among caregivers of schizophrenic patients.
Subjects and Methods: A total of 120 schizophrenic patients attending the outpatient Clinic of Zagazig University Hospital with their primary caregivers, using Caregiver Strain Index (CSI), Caregiver Self Assessment Questionnaire (CSAQ), Hamilton Anxiety Scale, Hamilton Scale of Depression.
Results: High level of burden was found mainly among caregivers of disorganized type followed by catatonic type, also high levels of anxiety and depression in disorganized type followed by catatonic type.
Conclusion: Schizophrenia is associated with high level of burden on caregiver. So effort should be made to alleviate the burden for better outcome in both patients and caregivers.