Subjective quality of life among caregivers of mentally ill persons in South Western Nigeria

Abstract

The introduction of community-focused psychiatric care has placed increasing responsibility on families for the care of people with psychiatric disabilities, resulting in significant burden, distress and reduced quality of life in family members who are saddled with the responsibility of caring for these individuals. Empirical research is, however, scanty on the issue, especially in Nigeria. This study investigated subjective quality of life among 127 conveniently selected family caregivers and 114 controls (non- caregivers). Three hypotheses were tested in the study, using t-test for independent groups, univariate analysis of variance and Fisher's Least Significant Difference post hoc test. Results indicated that as hypothesised, caregivers reported significantly lower subjective quality of life than control participants {t (2,239) = 5.45; p <.01}. Also, the negative impact of caregiving was found to be more evident on some life domains (health, productivity, place in community, and emotional well-being) than others (material well-being, safety and intimacy). Furthermore, male caregivers and relatively younger ones reported significantly lower subjective quality of life compared to females and older ones. These findings were discussed and the need for more empirical research on the issue as well as the need to consider these caregivers as clients in need of psychological intervention highlighted.

Keywords: Subjective quality of life, caregivers, mental illness, south western Nigeria

> IFI PsychologIA Vol. 27 2006: pp. 213-226