Investigation of the effect between care burden and quality of life in caregivers of schizophrenia patients

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the effect between care burden and quality of life of caregivers of schizophrenia patients treated at Kayseri Education and Research Hospital Community Mental Health Center and Psychiatry Clinic. Method: T In the selection of samples, purposive sampling method was used and 146 persons were included in the study. In the collection of data; Sociodemographic Information Form, Zarit Care Burden Scale and WHOQOL-BREF-TR were used. The obtained data were tested in SPSS 23 program by number, percentage, frequency, t test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis. Results: Caregivers; mean age was 45, the patients were given care a mean of 8.5 years and 54.8% were women. The quality of life physical health subscale; burden of care total score, deterioration in social relations and economic burden were negatively affected. It was determined that the total score of spiritual tension, economic burden and burden of care total score negatively affected the psychological sub-dimension of quality of life. It was concluded that the social relations sub-dimension of quality of life negatively affected the sub-dimensions of care burden, mental stress and deterioration in social relations. The quality of life environmental subscale are affected only economic burden. Discussion: Mental health diseases affect the lives of not only the patients but also the patients' relatives, and caregivers may need support in this process. Consideration of the caregivers of schizophrenic patients as well as their caregivers, when existing programs are being assessed, may support schizophrenia patients within the family system and promote holistic approach to the disease.