Burden and Quality of Life in Spouses of Patients with Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder.

ABSTRACT

Background: Several studies have explored the existence of burden primary caregivers and family members of schizophrenic patients. There were little convincing evidence to support the relationship between socio-demographic characteristics of the patients and family burden. Aim & Objective: The cross-sectional study was designed to investigate the effect of socio-demographic variables on spousal burden and quality of life of schizophrenic and dipolar patients. Methodolgy 9 spouses of chronic schizophrenci patients were drawn from psychiatry OPD OF G.T.B Hospital, Delhi. Burden Assessment Schedule and WHOQOL-BREF was individually administered on each spouse. Results & Conclusions: The results indicated significant effects of gender and family type on spousal burden.