DISABILITY AND ILLNESS SEVERITY AS DETERMINANTS OF CAREGIVER BURDEN IN SCHIZOPHRENIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder associated with significant disabilities and long-term caregiving demands. Caregiver burden is influenced by multiple patient-related factors, particularly the severity of the illness and functional impairment. Aims: This study aimed to assess the relationship between illness severity, disability, and caregiver burden in patients with schizophrenia and their primary caregivers. Method: This hospital-based cross-sectional study included 100 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia (DSM-5) and their primary caregivers. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected using a semi-structured proforma. Illness severity was assessed using the Clinical Global Impression–Schizophrenia (CGI-SCH) scale, disability using the Indian Disability Evaluation and Assessment Scale (IDEAS), and caregiver burden using the Burden Assessment Schedule (BAS). Results: The median duration of illness was 5 years. Patients had mild illness severity (median CGI-SCH: 2.0) and moderate disability (median IDEAS: 9.0). The median BAS score indicated a moderate caregiver burden. Disability showed a strong positive correlation with caregiver burden (ρ = 0.720, p < 0.001), while illness severity also had a significant positive correlation (ρ = 0.536, p < 0.001). Duration of illness was moderately associated with the burden (ρ = 0.420, p < 0.001). Caregiver education was negatively correlated with the burden (ρ = −0.301, p = 0.003). Conclusion: Caregiver burden in schizophrenia is significantly associated with illness severity and disabilities. Addressing functional impairment and incorporating caregiver-focused interventions are essential for improving patient and caregiver outcomes.