Stigma and Quality of Life among Family Caregivers of Patients with Schizophrenia

Hassan, Amal; Abd El- Fatah, Wafaa Osman; Abdeltwab, Nahla

doi:10.21608/hijnrp.2025.411077.1416

Stigma and Quality of Life among Family Caregivers of Patients with Schizophrenia

Document Type : Scientific Research Periodical

Authors

¹ Alazhar University Faculty of Nursing. Master in Helwan University

² and Assistant Professor& Head of Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing Faculty of Nursing- Helwan University

³ Lecturer of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Faculty of Nursing-Helwan University

10.21608/hijnrp.2025.411077.1416

Abstract

Background: Background: Stigma associated with mental illness, especially schizophrenia, affects not only patients but also their family caregivers, leading to emotional and psychological burdens. Aim: This study aimed to assess stigma and quality of life among family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia. Design: A descriptive research design was used. Setting: The study was conducted at the outpatient clinics of El-Abbassia hospital for mental health and addiction in Cairo. Subjects: A convenient sample of 92 family caregivers of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. Tools: Data were collected using three tools: (I) Socio-demographic and medical history sheet, (II) Stigma Scale for Caregivers of People with Schizophrenia, and (III) Quality of Life Scale. Results: The findings revealed that 79.3% of caregivers were not stigmatized, while 20.7% experienced stigma. Regarding quality of life, 50% of caregivers reported low levels, 45.7% moderate, and only 4.3% high levels. Conclusion: There was a statistically significant difference between total stigma and quality of life scores (p < 0.005). A strong positive correlation was found between stigma and quality of life scores. Half of the caregivers experienced low quality of life, and about one-fifth were stigmatized. These results emphasize the burden caregivers face in maintaining well-being while caring for individuals with schizophrenia. Recommendations: Further research with larger, more diverse samples across different regions in Egypt is recommended to generalize the findings and develop targeted interventions to reduce stigma and improve caregivers’ quality of life.

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