The Burdens of Care on Informal Caregivers of Patients with Mental Disorders Attending Clinics at Mathari Teaching and Referral Hospital

Abstract

Caregiving for patients with mental disorders places significant burdens on informal caregivers, manifesting as physical and psychological strain over extended periods. Most research examining caregiving burden variations has been conducted in Western countries, creating a knowledge gap regarding the specific nature and intensity of these burdens in the Kenyan context, particularly at Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital. Purpose of the Study:This study aimed to investigate the burdens of care experienced by informal caregivers of patients with mental disorders attending clinics at Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital. Methodology:A descriptive survey design was employed, targeting informal caregivers who accompanied patients with mental disorders to Mathari Hospital. Using purposive sampling, 92 caregivers were selected based on the Krejce and Morgan table, with 80 completed questionnaires included in the final analysis. Data collection utilized the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), a validated 22-item tool with strong psychometric properties (Cronbach alpha 0.93, test-retest reliability 0.89), alongside a researcher-designed sociodemographic questionnaire. Data analysis employed SPSS version 25, using descriptive and inferential statistics.Findings:The findings revealed that caregiver burden scores ranged from 8 to 68 on the ZBI scale. A large number of caregivers scored between 31-36 (mild to moderate burden) and 52-58 (moderate to severe burden). This diversity in scores indicated a wide range of experiences among caregivers, with a significant proportion experiencing moderate to severe burdens that potentially put them at risk for developing physical and mental health issues. Conclusion and Recommendations:Caregivers at Mathari Hospital experience considerable levels of burden that require comprehensive support mechanisms. The study recommended that healthcare systems incorporate caregiver well-being into treatment plans through psychological support, financial aid, and educational programs that help caregivers manage stress and provide bet