Family caregivers' burden and coping strategies with clients living with schizophrenia in neuropsychiatry specialist hospital in Akure, Ondo state, Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: Caring for schizophrenic clients has an enduring effect and leads to a substantial level of burden for the caregivers. This study assessed the  caregivers' burden and coping strategies with patients living with schizophrenia. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used to assess the family caregivers' burden and coping strategies with clients living with  schizophrenia in Neuropsychiatry Specialist Hospital. The Zarit Burden Interview Scale was used to assess the participants' level of burden while the Brief  CopeScale was utilized for the assessment of their coping strategies. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. Results: 63.5% of the family caregivers were married.53%had a mild to moderate burden, 38% had a moderate to a severe burden, 1% had severe, and  only 8% had little or no burden. The family caregivers utilized a mix of coping strategies. The coping strategy most commonly used among the  respondents was 'Religion' mean being 2.9270±0.86466 SD. Conclusion: A significant number of family caregivers experience a burden related to the care of their loved ones. Therefore, healthcare providers must  offer psychological support to and teach family caregivers effective coping strategies necessary for reducing their burden of care.