Factors Affecting Quality of Life and Family Burden among the Families of Patients with Schizophrenia.

Maeng, Se Ri; Kim, Won Hyung; Kim, Ji Hyun; Bae, Jae Nam; Lee, Jeong Seop; Kim, Chul Eung

doi:2016.19.2.78

Korean J Schizophr Res > Volume 19(2); 2016 > Article

Original Article

Korean Journal of Schizophrenia Research 2016;19(2):78-88.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.16946/kjsr.2016.19.2.78 Published online October 31, 2016.

Factors Affecting Quality of Life and Family Burden among the Families of Patients with Schizophrenia.

Se Ri Maeng, Won Hyung Kim, Ji Hyun Kim, Jae Nam Bae, Jeong Seop Lee, Chul Eung Kim

Department of Psychiatry, Inha University School of Medicine, Inha University Hospital, Incheon, Korea. kce320@inha.ac.kr

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Study aimed to identify factors that may affect family burden and quality of life (QOL) of primary caregivers in schizophrenia family.
METHODS
Among outpatients with schizophrenia undergoing treatment at the psychiatric department of a university hospital, 72 patients and their primary caregivers were investigated. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected and analyzed.
RESULTS
As a result of multiple regression of primary caregivers’ family burden (R²=0.284), primary caregiver’s income (p=0.001) and patient’s delusional symptoms (p=0.001) significantly explained the total family burden of primary caregivers. In multiple regression on QOL (R²=0.515), primary caregiver’s income (p=0.033) and education level (p=0.006), patient’s sex (p=0.006), treatment duration (p<0.001), degree of disorganized speech (p=0.008), negative drug attitudes (p=0.026) and the attitude of overcoming stigma against mental patients (p=0.029) all significantly explained the average QOL score.
CONCLUSION
Various factors determining primary caregiver’s QOL, including Clinical symptoms such as patient’s disorganized speech and clinically correctable factors such as negative drug attitude and insight into disease. Therefore, provision of education regarding drug and disease for patients and caregivers will be helpful to effectively reduce burden and improve the QOL of primary caregivers.

Key Words: Schizophrenia · Caregiver burden · Quality of Life