Awareness, utilization and influencing factors of social supports for main informal caregivers of schizophrenia patients: a cross-sectional study in primary care settings in Beijing, China

Abstract

Background Most schizophrenia patients are supported by main informal caregivers at home in China. This study aims to investigate the further needs of social supports for main informal caregivers of schizophrenia patients and to analyze influencing factors on the awareness and utilization of social supports in Beijing. The results of this study could potentially act as reference for health professionals to implement appropriate and effective support programs. Methods A mixed-methods approach was used in this study. Awareness, utilization and influencing factors of social supports for main informal caregivers were investigated using questionnaires in 6 urban districts in Beijing. Meanwhile, individual in-depth interviews with 10 main informal caregivers from the urban districts of Beijing were conducted to identify the caregivers’ perspective on social supports and their further needs. Results Quantitative results showed that although the government provided multi-channel resources for schizophrenia patients and their families, awareness and utilization of the resources such as rehabilitation and relevant subsidies were less than 10.0 and 5.0% respectively. Most caregivers in in-depth interviews expressed that they had negative experiences with respect to obtaining social supports, and they emphasized that more support would be needed in terms of financial support, respect, and rehabilitation institutions. Conclusions The awareness and utilization of social supports are low for main informal caregivers of schizophrenia patients. More services and improved public attitudes are needed for schizophrenia patients and their caregivers.

Access to family resources by families living with schizophrenia: a qualitative study of primary care workers in urban Beijing, China

“… 7 It is shown that families living with schizophrenia are more vulnerable to discrimination in China. 26 34 Patients with schizophrenia and their caregivers have to cope not only with their symptoms but also with prevalent negative societal attitudes causing stigma, which would isolate a family from mutual help and maintaining quality of life. 38 The psychiatric stigmatisation and discrimination discourage against families living with schizophrenia might lead to increased physical, mental and financial burdens on family members.…”

“…This helps to alleviate increased risk of drifting into or remaining in poverty caused by increased health expenditure, reduced productivity, stigma, and loss of employment and associated earnings based on social drift theory 7. It is shown that families living with schizophrenia are more vulnerable to discrimination in China 26 34. Patients with schizophrenia and their caregivers have to cope not only with their symptoms but also with prevalent negative societal attitudes causing stigma, which would isolate a family from mutual help and maintaining quality of life 38.…”

“…19–25 However, previous evidence shows that the awareness and utilisation of family resources are low among families living with schizophrenia in China. 26 27 …”

“…People with schizophrenia, as disabled, are qualified for preferential policies by the government, such as children’s tuition reductions or subsidies, vocational rehabilitation labour programmes, legal assistance, etc 19–25. However, previous evidence shows that the awareness and utilisation of family resources are low among families living with schizophrenia in China 26 27…”

Temporal Trends in the Incidence and Disability Adjusted Life Years of Schizophrenia in China Over 30 Years

“…For the potential increased risk of schizophrenia, more prevention and management measures are needed. The government is suggested to allocate sufficient human and facilities resources, strengthen the ability of the general practitioners to identify high-risk populations, and take early intervention to prevent high-risk individuals from developing schizophrenia ( 39 ). In addition, social support is also important for individuals to manage stressful life events and prevent triggers for schizophrenia.…”