Burden of Family Caregivers of Schizophrenic Patients in Gaza Strip, Palestine

Background: Schizophreniais is one of the most devastating psychiatric disorders that affect the Palestinian families. Schizophrenic caregivers in Gaza strip experience more significant stressors and have a higher level of burden. Objectives: This study examined the level of physical, emotional, economic and social burden experienced by the caregivers of schizophrenic patients in Gaza strip as well as determining the association between burden and socio-demographic characteristics of both caregivers and patients. Method: Descriptive cross-sectional design was used. Eligible 120 caregivers of schizophrenic patients were randomly recruited from different governmental community mental health centers in Gaza strip. They were interviewed to complete a set of questionnaires including: socio-demographic characteristics of patients and caregivers, and the Caregiver Burden Assessment Scale (Cronbach's coefficient, 0.92). Descriptive measures, T-test, ANOVA and Pearson correlation coefficient (r) were used. P was significant at 0.05 or less. Results: Most of the caregivers were females (68.1%), aged 40 years or more (45.3%), low educated (47.5%) and unemployed (72.0%). About 52.5% provide care for at least 10 years. The caregivers suffer from very high level of overall burden (Relative weight 74.5%). The physical burden was the highest (RW 81.0%), while the social burden was the lowest (RW 68.3%). There were significant differences in level of burden, and education, occupation and monthly income of both caregivers and patients. Whereas, no significant association was found between level of burden and caregiver's age, gender, period of care, and the relationship with the patien