the The Family Functioning And Caregiver Burden Among Patients With Schizophrenia At Home

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder that requires long-term care, particularly for outpatients who are primarily cared for by their families. This condition may lead to emotional, social, and financial burdens for family caregivers. This study aimed to examine the relationship between family functioning and caregiver burden among patients with schizophrenia at Prof. Dr. M. Ildrem Mental Hospital Medan in 2025. This study employed a quantitative cross-sectional design. The population consisted of families accompanying schizophrenia patients for outpatient visits, with a total sample of 96 respondents selected using total sampling. Family functioning was measured using the Family Assessment Device (FAD), and caregiver burden was assessed using the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). Data were analyzed using univariate and bivariate analyses with Spearman rho test at a significance level of p < 0.01. The results showed that 100% of respondents had good family functioning and 99% experienced mild caregiver burden. There was a significant negative correlation between family functioning and caregiver burden (r = −0.519; p < 0.01). Better family functioning was associated with lower caregiver burden. The strength of the correlation was moderate.