To Examine the Socio-demographic Characteristics of Caregivers of Patients with Schizophrenia

Description

Trishna G. Chettri¹, Sijo George², Praveen Bhattarai³, Lata Poudel⁴, Binita Dhungel⁵, and Adesh N. Tiwary⁶ (Clinical Psychologist, Mental Hospital Lagankhel, NAMS, Nepal¹, Consultant National Institute of Smart Governance, New Delhi², Psychiatrist, Mental Hospital Lagankhel, NAMS, Nepal^3,4, Consultant Ministry of Health and Population, Ram Shah Path, Nepal⁵, and Clinical Psychologist, Nepal⁶)

Schizophrenia, a persistent psychiatric condition, imposes substantial challenges on both affected individuals and their familial caregivers. A comprehensive understanding of the socio-demographic profiles of these dyads is crucial for the development of targeted support strategies. This study aimed to delineate the socio-demographic attributes of caregivers supporting individuals with schizophrenia and the patients themselves. A descriptive, cross-sectional investigation was undertaken involving 50 caregivers at the Clinical Psychology Department of MHL. Participants were recruited via purposeful sampling, and data were gathered using a standardized proforma. Descriptive statistical analysis was employed to characterize caregiver and patient attributes. The findings indicated that the majority of caregivers were male (68%), within the 2949 year age bracket, married (90%), and possessed secondary-level education (78%). Approximately half were engaged in manual occupations, with most reporting a household income below NPR 3,000. Patients, similarly, were overwhelmingly male (60%), aged 29-49 years, married (64%), and had attained secondary education (62%). A substantial proportion of patients resided in nuclear family structures and peri-urban or rural locations. These findings underscore that the experience of caregiving for individuals with schizophrenia is intricately linked to socio-demographic and economic determinants. Consequently, incorporating caregivers into therapeutic strategies and implementing systematic support mechanisms are pivotal for alleviating their burden and optimizing patient well-being.