Daily Care Giving Difficulties of Primary Care Givers of Persons with Schizophrenia in Kerala, India

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a major mental disorder it affects the thought and behavior of an individual. The people affected with schizophrenia loses reality orientation also. The aim of this research is to understand the socioeconomic profile of caregivers of persons with schizophrenia and to analyses the multiple roles of care givers. Finally, the researcher is intended to understand daily care giving difficulties of care givers of person with schizophrenia. The study also analyses the problem experienced by care givers during the relapse of the patients. Caregivers of individuals with schizophrenia experience many problems inside the family. Sometimes the caregiver would have to take a dual role of generating income for the family and caring for the diseased. Most patients need assistance with brushing, to take bath, washing clothes, taking medicines, etc. Social mobility and the social gathering of caregivers are limited. Cultural dividend plays a dominant role in determining care givers attitudes and difficulties. Multiple roles and Multiple Challenges of care givers of Schizophrenia patients are identified. Care givers Personality traits, attitudes, believes in Almighty, age, health, social support, have a greater role in providing untired care. The study found that the main reason for relapse is not taking medicines on time by the patients and family conflict also a leading cause for relapse.