Experiences of compassion fatigue and caregiver burden among familial caregivers of relatives with schizophrenia

Abstract

The study sought to examine the experiences of compassion fatigue and caregiver burden among familial caregivers of relatives with schizophrenia. The objectives of the particular study were to understand familial caregivers lived experiences with compassion fatigue and caregiver burden, to identify the perceived predictors of caregiver burden, how caregivers cope with the challenges of caregiving and to recommend possible measures that could be implemented to assist caregivers and reduce family burden. A descriptive phenomenological research design was used to describe the experiences of compassion fatigue and caregiver burden encountered by familial caregivers and heterogeneous sampling was used to select study participants. The sample was made up of 7 participants who constituted of 4 females and 3 males. The age range of these participants was between 24-58 years. Data was collected using a qualitative approach were semi-structured interviews were used as the main tool to gather data. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis and Giorgi descriptive phenomenological analysis method was used. Findings from the interviews of the study concluded that caregivers experience stigma, fear and satisfaction due to the care process and they attributed lack of support, lack of adequate skills and financial problems as being causes of caregiver burden. Caregivers reported that they use alcohol and spiritual assistance as ways to cope with demands of caregiving. Caregivers reported that they need financial assistance, training and support groups in order to manage their tasks and the emotional demands of caregiving. The researcher recommended that the government and mental health stakeholders to decentralize mental health services, establish support groups, come up with initiatives to assist caregivers and patients financially and awareness campaigns to help curb stigma in communities. More so the most important element is that caregivers should have somebody to help share the burden with.