Perceived social support and self-esteem among caregivers of patients with schizophrenia and normal control

Caregivers of patients with schizophrenia have an impact on self-esteem and social support due to the nature of the symptoms and the prolonged duration of illness. To assess and compare the social support and self-esteem among caregivers of chronic patients with Schizophrenia. The study was cross-sectional. It was conducted at the outpatient department (OPD) of CIIMHANS, Dewada, Rajnandgoan, Chhattisgarh, India. A total of 100 (50 caregivers of patients with schizophrenia and 50 normal controls) samples were selected through a purposive sampling technique and informed about the study after giving their informed consent. Socio-demographics, PGI Social Support Questionnaire and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale were all part of the interview. The study results showed there was a significant difference in social support and self-esteem among caregivers of patients with schizophrenia and normal controls. The result also indicated a significant positive relationship between social support and self-esteem among caregivers of patients with schizophrenia. The findings indicated the caregivers have poor social support and self-esteem and social support strongly contributes to self-esteem. These caregivers need psychosocial interventions to enhance the overall family environment to have a better adaptive state among families.