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Subjective quality of life of family caregivers of community living Sudanese psychiatric patients

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Abstract

Background

Reports on the quality of life (QOL) of family caregivers of psychiatric patients are uncommon.

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the subjective QOL of caregivers of stable Sudanese outpatients using the World Health Organization 26-item Quality of Life Instrument compared with a general population sample, and assess the factors associated with caregivers' QOL.

Method

Responses of caregivers of outpatients with schizophrenia (99), major affective disorders (120), and neuroses (81) were compared with 211 general population subjects.

Results

Caregivers were satisfied with the items related to the strengths of the traditional society and dissatisfied with the items related to national economic indices. Schizophrenia caregivers had lower scores than the others (P>0.05) who scored significantly higher than general population subjects and patients. Parents had the least scores. Patients' variables were not significantly associated with caregivers' QOL. Caregivers' sociodemographic variables were significantly associated with QOL. Caregivers' QOL was predicted by their impression of patients and state of health. Schizophrenics had the least correlations with caregivers' QOL.

Conclusion

Caregivers who are women, parents, and sick seemed relatively vulnerable and need assistance. Their areas of dissatisfaction with material circumstances should be addressed in a social welfare program. Caregivers' inner strengths, extended family supports, and positive appreciation of the patients are resources for enhancing their caregiving role.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait

    Abdel W. Awadalla PhD

  2. Dept. of Psychiatry, Psychological Medicine Hospital, Gamal Abdul Naser Road, P.O. Box 4081, Safat, 13041, Kuwait

    Jude U. Ohaeri MD, FRCPsych (UK) & Adel M. Tawfiq MB, MSc

  3. Khartoum Teaching Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan

    Aziza A. Salih FA (Wien)

Authors
  1. Abdel W. Awadalla PhD
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  2. Jude U. Ohaeri MD, FRCPsych (UK)
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  3. Aziza A. Salih FA (Wien)
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  4. Adel M. Tawfiq MB, MSc
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jude U. Ohaeri MD, FRCPsych (UK).

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Awadalla, A.W., Ohaeri, J.U., Salih, A.A. et al. Subjective quality of life of family caregivers of community living Sudanese psychiatric patients. Soc Psychiat Epidemiol 40, 755–763 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-005-0947-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-005-0947-x

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