Quality of Life of Informal Caregivers of a person with mental illness during COVID-19 Pandemic

Background and objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected not only people with mental health disorders, but also their family and caregivers. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life of informal caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: Sample consisted of 45 informal caregivers of mentally ill patients attending outpatient service in tertiary care hospital during COVID-19 pandemic. Data was collected using WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire along with additional data including caregiver profile and covid-19 related concern. The higher score meant a better QOL. Results: Out of 45 informal caregivers, 64 % were female, mean age of participants was 40.47, 67 % were married and 56% were unemployed. Majority (89%) of caregiver expressed increased concern about health during covid-19 pandemic and 82 % of caregiver responded that they were anxious due to covid-19 pandemic. The mean total score of QOL of the study population was 14.9 with the highest mean score 15.21 in the physical domain, followed by 15.11 in psychological, 14.91 in social, and 14.37 in environmental domain. Sociodemographic variables like marital and employment status were found to be significantly associated with QOL of caregivers (0.05). Conclusions: Informal caregivers of mentally ill patients are experiencing negative physical, psychological as well as social health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Vulnerable caregivers’ quality of life can be improved with the help of health careworkers through early identification of at risk caregiver and psychoeducation.