| خلاصه مقاله | Background and aims: Family caregivers play a vital role in supporting elderly patients with
schizophrenia; however, the burden of caregiving can have significant impacts on the quality of life
for both the caregiver and the patient. Our study aimed to investigate the caregiving burden and its
related factors in family caregivers of elderly patients with schizophrenia.
Materials and methods: This was a correlational study. The participants in this study were family
caregivers who currently care for elderly patients with schizophrenia. Using the convenience
sampling method 112 caregivers were recruited from outpatient clinics affiliated with a tertiary
referral psychiatric hospital in Iran. Participants completed a survey containing demographic and
clinical questions, the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI-22). Multiple regression analysis was
used to identify the associates of family caregivers’ burden. We used the STROBE checklist to report
the results.
Results: Family caregivers of elderly patients with schizophrenia reported high caregiving burdens,
with 42.6% experiencing severe burdens. Age, gender, educational level, income, job loss due to
caregiving, relationship with patient, disease duration and frequency of caregiving remained the
significant associates of family caregivers’ burden in the regression analysis. The regression model
explained 34.8% of the variance of caregiving burden.
Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of addressing the caregiver burden experienced by
family caregivers of elderly patients with schizophrenia. Supporting caregivers with educational
resources, respite care, and financial support can help them cope with caregiving demands.
Additionally, providing mental health support for caregivers can help alleviate stress and improve
their emotional wellbeing. Finally, providing access to support groups and counseling services for
caregivers can provide them with the opportunity to share experiences and gain support from others. |