Quality of life and caregiver burden in schizophrenia

Abstract

Background: Family caregivers serve as the primary support ecosystem for individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, facing severe subjective and objective strains. Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder that significantly impairs patients’ quality of life (QoL) and imposes a considerable burden on caregivers. This study aimed to assess QoL among patients with schizophrenia and evaluate caregiver burden using standardized instruments. A cross sectional design was employed with 90 patients and their primary caregivers. Aims: This study evaluates the quantitative relationship between caregiving burden and multifaceted quality of life (QoL) metrics among home caregivers (\(N=90\)), while examining the modifying role of modern healthcare delivery options like long-acting therapeutics. Methods: A cross-sectional analytic design was employed. Primary caregiver burden was measured via the validated Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI-22), and caregiver life quality was quantified via the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) instrument. Results: Heavy or severe clinical burden was documented in 51.1% of the cohort. Linear regression models confirmed that higher baseline ZBI scores predicted dramatic reductions across all four major WHOQOL domains (\(p < 0.001\)). Caregivers utilizing long-acting injectable (LAI) regimens experienced lower overall subjective burden profiles compared to those managing daily oral regimens. Conclusion: Chronic caregiver strain operates as a key predictor of depleted family health. Strategic structural interventions, including psychoeducation, community respite care, and advanced drug delivery mechanisms, are essential to preserve the domestic care network.