Clinical correlates of the caregiving experience for Chinese caregivers of patients with schizophrenia.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the correlation between clinical characteristics and the caregiving experience of caregivers of patients with schizophrenia.


METHODS
Two hundred and one patients with schizophrenia and their caregivers were recruited from a psychiatric clinic. The involvement evaluation questionnaire (IEQ) and the general health questionnaire (GHQ) were administered to the caregivers. The patients were assessed by the Structured Clinical Interview, the positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) and the global assessment of functioning scale (GAF). Correlation analysis and regression analysis was performed to identify the best predictors of caregiver stress.


RESULTS
The most important clinical predictor of caregiver stress as assessed using IEQ was the GAF, followed by PANSS-Pos and Neg scores and admission. Positive symptoms contributed more to overall caregiver stress than negative symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Both symptom severity and patient function were important factors in the caregiver experience. Treatment should aim not only to reduce symptoms but also maximize function. Service planning should include psychosocial intervention involving caregivers.
Tang
Victoria Wing Kay
VW
Department of Psychiatry, Castle Peak Hospital, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong, China. vwktang@gmail.com
Leung
Siu Kau
SK
Lam
Linda Chiu-Wa
LC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D044466:Asian People; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000451:nursing*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires