Burden of care and its association with socio- demographic profile of caregivers ofSchizophrenic patients.

Abstract

In the article, Burden of care and its association with socio- demograghic profile of the Schizophrenic patients and their caregivers, Mrs.Savitha and Dr. Janet Parameshwar try to examine the extent of burden among the caregivers of schizophrenic patients. Family caregivers play a great role in taking care of the patients. It is said that the death of the loved one is a major stressful life event for the family members. But living with Schizophrenia person is more unnatural, untimely and stigmatizing stressful event which throws the family into crisis.In this study total 289 caregivers of schizophrenic patients were interviewed. It reveals that majority of them are facing a moderate level of burden who fall under the age group of 18-27 years. It also has been found that the caregivers who are having moderate level of burden are females especially mothers and wivesand significant association is observed while comparing the burden and gender of the caregivers by getting P value of 0.011 which is significant.and many

• of the caregivers who have done graduation and post graduationare facing mild level of burden whereas caregivers who are illiterates are facing moderate level of burden due to the illness of the patient. Education level of the caregivers usually would influence the burden of the caregiver to deal with stressful events. The findings from this study suggest that caregivers need social support and family intervention programmes to cope with the burden of caregiving and enhance better quality of life.