[Burden of care in Aymara caregivers of patients with schizophrenia]

Abstract

Introduction: The introduction of anti-psychotic medication and the de-institutionalization have placed on the hands of their relatives the responsibility for their informal care. Many times, this role carries a high level of burden for all family members. There exist a few studies that approach this subject matter in groups of ethnic minority. The aim of this research was to describe the levels of burden in Aymaras caregivers (aborigines who are located on the highlands of Northen Chile) from Schizophrenia patients.

Material and methods: The sample corresponds to 45 caregivers of patients with schizophrenia that receive treatment at the Mental Health Services in the city of Arica, Chile.

Results: [corrected] Zarit Burden Scale classifies all Aymara relatives in the category of "Intense Burden", unlike not Aymara relatives, which classified as "Low Burden". Significant differences are observed in the subscale of incompetence where the Aymara Cargivers perceive not to feel able of taking care of the patient with the available resources.

Conclusions: It is concludes that belonging to this ethnic minority would increase the psychopathological risk that caregivers of psychiatric patients experience.