Family Caregiver Burden and Quality of Life among Families Caring for Individuals with Schizophrenia at Mutiara Sukma Mental Hospital, Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Study
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Abstract
Family caregivers play an essential role in supporting individuals with schizophrenia, particularly in outpatient settings. However, prolonged caregiving responsibilities may produce emotional, physical, social, and financial strain that can affect caregivers’ quality of life. This study examined the relationship between caregiver burden and quality of life among family caregivers of individuals with schizophrenia. A descriptive correlational cross-sectional study was conducted at the outpatient clinic of Mutiara Sukma Mental Hospital, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. The study included 89 family caregivers selected using purposive sampling. The sample size was based on a reported outpatient population of 849 individuals and the Slovin formula with a 10% error tolerance. Caregiver burden was assessed using a questionnaire based on the Zarit Burden Interview, while quality of life was assessed using the Schizophrenia Caregiver Quality of Life Questionnaire. We analyzed the relationship between caregiver burden and quality of life using Spearman’s rank correlation. Among the 89 caregivers, 45 were women (50.6%) and 44 were men (49.4%). Most participants were aged 36–50 years (62, 69.7%), had university-level education (39, 43.8%), and were homemakers or not working (35, 39.3%). Caregiver burden was categorized as none to little in 19 participants (21.3%), mild to moderate in 43 participants (48.3%), and moderate to severe in 27 participants (30.3%). All participants were classified as having moderate quality of life. Caregiver burden was significantly and negatively correlated with quality of life (rho = −0.309, p = 0.003, n = 89). Higher caregiver burden was associated with lower quality of life among family caregivers of individuals with schizophrenia. Nurses should routinely assess caregiver burden and provide family-centered education, emotional support, referral, and community-based interventions. Because of the cross-sectional design, interpret the findings as an association rather than a causal relationship.
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