TO STUDY THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DISABILITY, BURDEN AND QUALITY OF LIFE (QoL) OF CAREGIVERS OF OBSESSIVE- COMPULSIVE DISORDER(OCD) AND SCHIZOPHRENIA: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background: The burden of care experienced by caregivers of patients with psychiatric disorders, specifically schizophrenia (SCH) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), significantly affects their quality of life (QOL) and the overall well-being of both the caregivers and patients.
Aim: To compare the correlation of disability, burden, and quality of life (QoL) among caregivers of individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and schizophrenia, and to explore the relationship between these variables within each group.
Material and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted with 60 caregivers, divided into two groups: 30 caregivers of patients with schizophrenia and 30 caregivers of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Data were collected through structured interviews and standardized scales, including the Burden Assessment Schedule (BAS), World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHO-QOL-BREF), and IDEAS Global Disability Score. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests, including t-tests, chi-square tests, and correlation analyses.
Results: The mean age of patients in both groups was similar, with schizophrenia patients showing a higher level of disability compared to OCD patients (p < 0.01). Caregivers of schizophrenia patients reported higher caregiver burden (BAS total score: 89.17 vs. 81.13 for OCD; p < 0.01) and lower QOL scores, especially in domains 2 (p < 0.01) and 4 (p < 0.01) of the WHO-QOL-BREF. A significant negative correlation was found between caregiver burden and QOL in both groups, with stronger associations in the schizophrenia group. Clinical variables such as marital status and socioeconomic status of patients were linked to caregiver burden, with caregivers of schizophrenia patients more likely to report severe burden.
Conclusion: This study highlights the significant caregiver burden and diminished QOL faced by those caring for individuals with schizophrenia compared to those caring for individuals with OCD. Sociodemographic factors, such as marital status and socioeconomic status, as well as patient disability levels, play crucial roles in influencing the caregiver burden. Targeted interventions addressing caregiver support and patient management may improve the overall well-being of both caregivers and patients.