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Gagiu C, Dionisie V, Manea MC, Covaliu A, Vlad AD, Tupu AE, Manea M. Quality of Life in Caregivers of Patients with Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review of the Impact of Sociodemographic, Clinical, and Psychological Factors. Behav Sci (Basel) 2025; 15:684. [PMID: 40426466 PMCID: PMC12109056 DOI: 10.3390/bs15050684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2025] [Revised: 05/12/2025] [Accepted: 05/14/2025] [Indexed: 05/29/2025] Open
Abstract
Caregiving for a patient with schizophrenia (PwS) imposes a high burden on caregivers and often affects their quality of life. This systematic review aims to synthesize the current evidence on the sociodemographic and psychological factors of caregivers, as well as patient-related sociodemographic and clinical factors, that may influence caregivers' QoL. The review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was performed in three major databases-PubMed/Medline, SCOPUS, and Web of Science-to identify original studies examining informal caregivers of PwS and assessing the relationship between caregivers' QoL and various sociodemographic, psychological, or clinical factors. Methodological quality appraisal was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. In total, 31 studies were included in the review and discussed at length. Lower QoL was associated with unemployment, older age, female gender, financial difficulties, being unmarried, and lower education. Additionally, increased schizophrenia symptom severity, higher caregiver burden, and elevated levels of depression and anxiety may negatively influence caregivers' QoL. Given these findings, future research should focus on developing tailored interventions to improve caregivers' QoL. Addressing these modifiable risk factors through targeted support programs and policies could significantly enhance caregivers' QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina Gagiu
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Adult Psychiatry, “Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia” Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, 041914 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Vlad Dionisie
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Adult Psychiatry, “Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia” Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, 041914 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihnea Costin Manea
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Adult Psychiatry, “Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia” Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, 041914 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Covaliu
- Department of Adult Psychiatry, “Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia” Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, 041914 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ana Diana Vlad
- Department of Adult Psychiatry, “Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia” Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, 041914 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ancuta Elena Tupu
- Department of Scientific Research Methodology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, “Dunarea de Jos” University of Galati, 800008 Galati, Romania
| | - Mirela Manea
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Adult Psychiatry, “Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia” Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, 041914 Bucharest, Romania
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Marutani T, Chhim S, Taing S, Nishio A. Causal beliefs regarding schizophrenia and help-seeking behaviors among patients with schizophrenia and family caregivers attending psychiatric clinics in Cambodia. Transcult Psychiatry 2025; 62:45-61. [PMID: 35837740 DOI: 10.1177/13634615221107207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia often follows a chronic or recurrent course, placing an immense burden on patients and their families. Mental health services in Cambodia are still highly limited, thus there is a major treatment gap. It is common that people consult traditional healers (Kru Khmer) and monks. In this culture, people who receive psychiatric medical treatment are expected to exhibit higher mental health literacy, but little is known about this factor. In this study, we interviewed 59 patients with schizophrenia and 59 family caregivers attending psychiatric clinics in Cambodia. Through qualitative analysis using a thematic analysis approach, we extracted eight themes of causal beliefs regarding schizophrenia: (1) spiritual beliefs, (2) cultural symptoms, (3) physical problems, (4) heredity, (5) substance abuse, (6) traumatic events, (7) stress in human relationships or in one's social environment, and (8) socioeconomic position. We found that "thinking too much" (kit chroeun) and "worrying too much" (prouy / barom chroeun), cultural idioms of distress, were recognized as causal factors of schizophrenia by both parents and family caregivers. Some participants were aware of the possible causal factors in light of the latest psychiatry findings, such as genetic factors and childhood trauma. Our data show that causal beliefs are not a decisive factor in shortening the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP). In Cambodia, where the treatment for schizophrenia is pluralistic, we suggest that it is crucial to embed the meaning of psychiatric treatment into local meaning worlds for better help-seeking behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sotheara Chhim
- Transcultural Psychosocial Organization (TPO) Cambodia, Cambodia
| | - Sopheap Taing
- Transcultural Psychosocial Organization (TPO) Cambodia, Cambodia
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Wang X, Zhang T, Li M, Yang B, Wang L, Fu C, Zhang N, Li Z, Yang C, Zhao Z, Meng Q, Feng Y, Yin J. Canonical correlation analysis of family burden of disease and quality of life in caregivers of people living with schizophrenia: evidence from Schizophrenia-specific cohort in the less-developed multi-ethnic region of Southwest China. BMC Psychiatry 2025; 25:1. [PMID: 39748412 PMCID: PMC11697033 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-06458-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 12/26/2024] [Indexed: 01/04/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health-related quality of life is a multi-dimensional concept that involves individual's perceived physical and mental health, social relationships, and environment. Family members are the primary caregivers of people living with schizophrenia in China, the quality of life of caregiver of people living with schizophrenia is generally poorer, which may indirectly affect the quality of life of the people with schizophrenia. METHODS We conducted a comprehensive survey on quality of life in caregivers of people living with schizophrenia based on the Schizophrenia-specific cohort in the Less-developed Multi-ethnic Region of Southwest China to validate the accessibility and effectiveness of the schizophrenia family care model at the family level, caregivers of people living with schizophrenia were selected as participants in Baoshan City, Yunnan Province from September 2022 to March 2023, quality of life, family burden of disease, sociodemographic and behavioral information of participants were collected. RESULTS Domain scores for physical, psychological, social relationships, and environment of quality of life were 13.50 ± 2.61, 12.67 ± 2.40, 13.64 ± 2.32, and 12.46 ± 1.76 respectively. In our study, we found that gender, age, education level, personal monthly income, history of smoking and alcohol consumption, subjective sleep quality, relation to the patient, degree of self-care and the number of relapses in patient all influence 1 to 4 domains of quality of life for caregivers, stratified analysis was conducted to minimize the effect of gender on the results, we still found that history of smoking could positively predict the score of psychological domain and history of alcohol consumption could positively predict the score of social relationships domain. Canonical correlation analysis showed that the 'impact on family interaction' in family burden of disease was most closely related to quality of life. CONCLUSION Building harmonious family relationships can help improve the quality of life for caregivers of People living with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximei Wang
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Public Health and Biosafety & School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, 1168# West Chunrong Road, Chenggong Zone, Kunming, 650500, China
- Baoshan College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Longyang District, Baoshan City, 678000, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Teng Zhang
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Public Health and Biosafety & School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, 1168# West Chunrong Road, Chenggong Zone, Kunming, 650500, China
- Baoshan College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Longyang District, Baoshan City, 678000, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Mingsong Li
- Baoshan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Baoshan, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Public Health and Biosafety & School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, 1168# West Chunrong Road, Chenggong Zone, Kunming, 650500, China
- Baoshan College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Longyang District, Baoshan City, 678000, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Liming Wang
- Baoshan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Baoshan, China
| | - Chuanwen Fu
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Public Health and Biosafety & School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, 1168# West Chunrong Road, Chenggong Zone, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Nishang Zhang
- Baoshan College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Longyang District, Baoshan City, 678000, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Zhengxu Li
- Baoshan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Baoshan, China
| | - Ce Yang
- Baoshan College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Longyang District, Baoshan City, 678000, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Zhimin Zhao
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Public Health and Biosafety & School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, 1168# West Chunrong Road, Chenggong Zone, Kunming, 650500, China
- Baoshan College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Longyang District, Baoshan City, 678000, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Qiong Meng
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Public Health and Biosafety & School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, 1168# West Chunrong Road, Chenggong Zone, Kunming, 650500, China.
| | - Yuemei Feng
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Public Health and Biosafety & School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, 1168# West Chunrong Road, Chenggong Zone, Kunming, 650500, China.
- Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Food Safety of Yunnan Provincial Education Department, Kunming, China.
| | - Jianzhong Yin
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Public Health and Biosafety & School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, 1168# West Chunrong Road, Chenggong Zone, Kunming, 650500, China.
- Baoshan College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Longyang District, Baoshan City, 678000, Yunnan Province, China.
- Healthy Yunnan Development Think Tank, Kunming, China.
- Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Food Safety of Yunnan Provincial Education Department, Kunming, China.
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Onyia CO, Lethole JS, Olorunfemi G, Ngene NC. Caregiver burden and its sociodemographic determinants in family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia attending a psychiatric tertiary hospital in South Africa. S Afr J Psychiatr 2024; 30:2252. [PMID: 38962558 PMCID: PMC11219544 DOI: 10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v30i0.2252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic mental illnesses such as schizophrenia affect patients' functioning, making caregiving necessary although burdensome. Aim This study aimed to determine caregiver burden and its sociodemographic determinants in family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia attending a Psychiatric Outpatient Department (POD). Setting Tertiary hospital in Northern Pretoria, South Africa. Methods In this cross-sectional study conducted over 3 months, 300 consecutive family caregivers who attended the POD were administered a 22-item Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI-22), which has a score of 0-88, with higher values indicating more burden. Their sociodemographic characteristics were ascertained. Linear and ordinal logistic regression analyses were performed to identify determinants or predictors of total and severe burdens, respectively. Results Most caregivers were aged 46.0 ± 14 years, females (62%), parents (39%), of low-income status (93.7%), had secondary education (70%), resided with the patient (87%), and helped with all troublesome activities (95.3%). The median ZBI-22 score was 19.0 (interquartile range: 13.0-30.5). The determinants of both total and severe burdens were: caregiver age ≥ 50 years adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.55, confidence interval (CI): 1.49-4.36; residential area farther away from the hospital aOR: 1.76, CI: 1.3-2.99; increasing months of caregiving aOR: 1.0, CI: 1.001-1.009, p = 0.006; and not having another family member that needs care aOR: 0.43, CI: 0.24-0.78. Conclusion Having mental healthcare facilities close to residential areas and assisting caregivers aged ≥ 50 years who have multiple family members who need care may alleviate the burden. Contribution Predicting total and severe caregiver burdens contemporaneously is effective for identifying potential burden interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chioma O Onyia
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Julia S Lethole
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Gbenga Olorunfemi
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nnabuike C Ngene
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Leratong Hospital, Krugersdorp, South Africa
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Aliche CJ, Ifeagwazi CM, Nwamarah JU, Okechukwu FO, Ngwu EC. Mediating roles of positive reappraisal and stigma resistance in the relationship between mindfulness and quality of life among stable schizophrenia patients. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-023-04563-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
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Murwasuminar B, Munro I, Recoche K. Mental health recovery for people with schizophrenia in Southeast Asia: A systematic review. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs 2023. [PMID: 36681884 DOI: 10.1111/jpm.12902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Mental health recovery has become a more prevalent approach to empowering people with schizophrenia (PWS), especially in western countries. However, despite the benefits, there is a lack of evidence regarding its practice in developing countries such as Southeast Asian Countries. The optimal treatment for PWS has not yet been identified, since most mental health care is provided in hospital-based settings in Southeast Asia. Mental health treatment in Southeast Asia is highly influenced by cultural norms, values, and practices. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: The findings highlight the importance of integrating cultural aspects into the treatment of people with schizophrenia. The sample of unique elements in Southeast Asian mental health recovery include using a close neighbour/cadre as social support and using religious activity to increase hope. Lack of government support, high level of employment, and stigma are the biggest barriers in the PWS recovery process. WHAT IS THE IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE?: There is a research gap regarding the awareness and implementation of mental health recovery in psychiatric programs across the Southeast Asian region which likely impacts the effectiveness of the treatment. The review shows that little research has explored the concept of personal recovery in Southeast Asian Countries. ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Recovery has become an important approach used by mental health services around the world. Many mental health systems have taken steps to move towards more recovery-oriented practices and service delivery. Therefore, establishing recovery-oriented services in developing countries like those in the Southeast Asian region requires a detailed understanding of the cultural norms, values, and current mental health practices. AIMS To investigate the mental health practices that promote recovery, its barrier in Southeast Asia, and to determine if they align with the CHIME recovery model. METHOD Electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and SCOPUS, were searched [PROSPERO] (CRD42021227962). Peer-reviewed English language articles from 2004 to January 2021 were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the CASP checklist, and thematic synthesis of included studies was conducted. RESULTS Thirty-one studies met inclusion criteria. Several themes illustrated mental health recovery services and the current obstacles identified in South-east Asian studies. Connection includes peer support and support groups, relationship status, and limited opportunities to become involved in the community. Hope is found in cultural concepts of hope, stimulating recovery through mental health programs, whilst lack of knowledge and education are the main barriers. Ethnicity is linked to a high level of stigma, but ethnicity also builds identity. Meaning and spirituality manifest in religious activities as the catalyst for recovery. Finally, the opposite of Empowerment is seen in the tendency of people with schizophrenia to remain in a passive position. Further barriers to empowerment are unemployment and a lack of social support. DISCUSSION In Southeast Asia, the elements of culture, religiosity, and communality are essential to mental health recovery. The obstacles to recovery are relate to human rights, social support, family involvement, and continuity of care. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE This review explores the concept of mental health recovery for people who are experiencing psychosis and living in Southeast Asian countries. The evidence may contribute to the further development of mental health programs in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bandu Murwasuminar
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Frankston, Victoria, Australia.,West Java Mental Hospital, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Ian Munro
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Frankston, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katrina Recoche
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Frankston, Victoria, Australia
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Parry SJ, Ean N, Sinclair SP, Wilkinson E. Development of mental healthcare in Cambodia: barriers and opportunities. Int J Ment Health Syst 2020; 14:53. [PMID: 32760441 PMCID: PMC7392648 DOI: 10.1186/s13033-020-00385-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the increasing recognition globally of the importance of mental health for sustainable development, significant barriers remain to developing mental health services in low- and middle-income countries. This study explored the particular barriers and opportunities for developing mental health services in Cambodia and how these compared with those described in other low- and middle-income countries. METHODS For this qualitative study, 18 experienced mental health professionals from different disciplines were selected using purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were carried out in Phnom Penh and thematic analysis of the data was completed. RESULTS Five key themes were identified: (1) Prioritising mental health in Cambodia, (2) Strengthening collaborations between mental health stakeholders, (3) Developing a mental healthcare model appropriate for the Cambodian culture and context, (4) Increasing the quantity and (5) Improving the quality of mental healthcare. All five themes were referred to by all 18 participants and the two most repeated themes were (2) Strengthening collaborations and (5) Improving the quality of mental healthcare. CONCLUSIONS The themes identified in this study both corroborate previous barriers identified to developing mental health services in low- and middle-income countries and shed new light on opportunities of particular importance in Cambodia. Strengthening collaborations between key stakeholders in mental health and prioritising the quality of mental health education, training and service provision were both cited as being significant opportunities for enhancing the development of mental health services in Cambodia. These have not been widely described before as being important factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J. Parry
- OMF International (Cambodia), #3, Street 604, Tuol Kork, PO Box 570, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Nil Ean
- Department of Psychology, Royal University of Phnom Penh, #110, Russian Federation Boulevard, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Shirley P. Sinclair
- OMF International (Cambodia), #3, Street 604, Tuol Kork, PO Box 570, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Ewan Wilkinson
- Institute of Medicine, University of Chester, Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4BJ UK
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Correction: Quality of life and its social determinants for patients with schizophrenia and family caregivers in Cambodia. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232434. [PMID: 32324816 PMCID: PMC7179853 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229643.].
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