Analysis of factors associated with family disease burden and correlation with social support among family caregivers of patients with severe mental illnesses

Background: Caregivers are responsible for the home care of family members with severe mental illnesses (SMIs) and their lives are often subject to changes that can create stress and burden. The purpose of this study was to explore the current state of family disease burden and its correlation with social support among family caregivers of SMIs patients. Methods: Using a random sampling method, a total of 1,108 family caregivers of SMIs patients in community health service centers were selected. A general information questionnaire of family caregivers and patients, the Family Disease Burden Scale, and the Social Support Rating Scale were used. Results: The score of the Family Disease Burden Scale of 1108 family caregivers was 16.57 ± 10.65. Family disease burden was negatively correlated with social support ( p < .05). The main influencing factors of family disease burden were average annual family income, duration of illness, distance to medical care, risk of unpredictable behavior, social support, caregiver-patient relationship, gender, and comorbid chronic conditions ( p < .05). Conclusion: Family caregivers of SMIs patients have a relatively low level of caregiver-perceived social support. Interventions to enhance perceived social support could help maintain the health of family caregivers and improve the quality of family care.