A comparative study of perceived stress, burden and quality of life in caregivers of patients with schizophrenia and depression: Protocol (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Caregiving for patients with chronic mental illnesses like schizophrenia and major depressive disorder (MDD) places a significant burden on families, often leading to financial strain, domestic disruption, and a decline in the caregiver's own physical and mental health. In the Indian context, family members are often the primary "natural" caregivers due to cultural expectations and limited state resources. While schizophrenia is generally a continuous illness and MDD is episodic, both require long-term emotional and financial support from carers. There is currently a relative dearth of Indian research directly comparing the specific perceived stress, burden, and quality of life (QoL) between these two distinct caregiver groups. OBJECTIVE The primary aim of this study is to compare the caregiver burden, perceived stress, and quality of life between caregivers of patients with schizophrenia and those with major depressive disorder. Specific objectives include: 1)Evaluating and comparing the absolute levels of burden, perceived stress, and QoL in both groups. 2)Analyzing these factors in relation to the socio-demographic characteristics of the caregivers, such as age, gender, and educational level METHODS This is a cross-sectional, hospital-based study conducted at the Department of Psychiatry, Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital in Sawangi, Wardha. The study will include a total sample of 290 participants, consisting of 145 caregivers for each patient group (schizophrenia and MDD). Inclusion criteria for patients include a diagnosis based on ICD-11, a duration of illness ≥ 2 years, and living with the caregiver for ≥ 3 years. Caregivers must be aged 18–60 and provide active daily support. After obtaining informed consent, data will be collected using a semi-structured sociodemographic proforma and three standardized tools: the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the short version of the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), and the WHO Quality of Life BREF Scale (WHOQOL-BREF). Statistical analysis will be performed using SPSS version 28.0, employing Student’s t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests for mean comparisons and Chi-square tests for categorical variables RESULTS Yet to be analyzed as study is underway, sample collection has been completed and analysis is underway CONCLUSIONS Yet to be stated as study is underway CLINICALTRIAL Clinical Trials Registry of India (CTRI) Registration Number: CTRI/2024/05/066968