Burden and coping strategies in mothers of patients with schizophrenia in Japan

AIM: The present study was conducted to identify factors contributing to burden of care in 57 mothers caring for patients with schizophrenia. METHODS: Members of the Federation of Families of People with Mental Illness in Nagasaki Prefecture were evaluated using well-validated scales to evaluate burden of care (eight-item short version of the Japanese version of the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview), general health status (General Health Questionnaire 12-item version), difficulty in life, coping strategies, emotional support, and understanding of mental illness and disorders. RESULTS: Burden of care was significantly associated with general health status and difficulty in life. CONCLUSION: On multiple regression it was found that 'social interests' and 'resignation', both of which are the subscales of coping strategies, exerted significant and independent effects with respect to burden of care.