Global social functioning of patients with schizophrenia and care burden of caregiving relatives

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the global social functioning levels of patients with schizophrenia and the burden experienced by their caregivers. Methods: This study was conducted with primary caregivers of patients with schizophrenia in the psychiatry polyclinics of hospitals within Ankara. The study sample included 130 primary caregivers of outpatients of psychiatric polyclinics and was conducted between January and July of 2013. Data were collected using a patient and caregiver sociodemographic form, as well as the 'Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale' and the 'Functional Remission of General Schizophrenia Scale'. Results: The study results revealed that both the caregivers' burden level (55.80 +/- 15.90) and the patients' global social functionality level (49.96 +/- 16.34) were medium, and that there was a moderate negative correlation between them (r=-0.67, p<0.001). Conclusion: In light of these results, it is suggested that psychiatric nurses plan psychosocial interventions to diminish the burden experienced by caregivers, and that psychosocial skills training sessions be implemented to improve the global social functioning of patients.