Vol. 5, Issue 7 (2016)

Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, observational
study conducted at the Department of Psychiatry, Sree Lakshmi Narayana
Institute of Medical Sciences, Osudu Agaram Village Villianur Commune,
Kudapakkam, Villianur, Puducherry, India from May 2015 to April 2016. A total
of 50 primary caregivers of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia (as per
ICD-10 criteria) were enrolled. WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire to assess quality of
life across four domains (physical, psychological, social relationships, and
environment). Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire-Short
Form (Q-LES-Q-SF) to evaluate overall enjoyment and life satisfaction.
Sociodemographic and clinical profiles of both caregivers and patients were
recorded. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, Pearson
correlation, and multiple regression analysis to identify significant
associations.

Results: The mean age of caregivers was 45.2±10.4
years, with a predominance of females (60%). Q-LES-Q-SF showed a mean total
satisfaction score of 47.2±9.6, indicating moderately low enjoyment and life
satisfaction. Caregivers with longer duration of caregiving (>5 years),
unemployed status, and those caring for patients with frequent relapses
reported significantly poorer quality of life and satisfaction (p<0.05).
A significant positive correlation (r = 0.61, p<0.01) was observed
between psychological domain of WHOQOL-BREF and Q-LES-Q-SF scores.

Conclusion: Caregivers of patients with schizophrenia
experience moderate impairment in quality of life, enjoyment, and satisfaction,
especially in psychological and social domains. The findings underscore the
necessity of psychosocial support, caregiver education, and structured
interventions to reduce caregiver burden and enhance their well-being. Mental
health services must incorporate caregiver-focused strategies to foster better
outcomes for both patients and families.