Quality of life and caregiver burden among caregivers of patients with psychiatric disorders

Objective: To explore the relationship between quality of life and caregiver burden among caregivers of patients with psychiatric disorders (schizophrenia and chronic depression) and how caregiver's life is affected by looking after these patients. Methodology: This correlational study included 100 primary caregivers (50 males) and (50 females), from different hospitals of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Age ranged from 20 to 65 years. Convenient sampling technique was used. Quality of life was assessed through Urdu translated version of WHO Quality of life questionnaire and Caregiver burden was measured with caregiver burden assessment checklist. Results: Quality of life had strong, significant and negative relationship with caregiver burden (r = .56, "p <=.01). Gradual increase in burden was considerably associated with decline in quality of life of caregivers. Conclusion: A considerable negative correlation among caregiver burden and quality of life was found as with increasing level of burden the quality of life decreases. The finding may be useful in planning services for the caregivers.