STIGMATIZATION, DEPRESSION, AND AGE AS CORRELATES OF BURDEN OF CARE AMONG CAREGIVERS OF THE MENTALLY ILL PATIENTS, NAWFIA.

This study investigated stigmatization, depression, and age as correlates of burden of care experienced by caregivers of individuals with mental health disorders. A total of 197 caregivers of mentally ill patients who are receiving treatment for psychiatric conditions were recruited for the study from Neuropsychiatric hospital, Nawfia, Anambra state, Nigeria. The group consisted of 54.3% males and 45.7% females, with an average age of 25.8 and a standard deviation of 8.2. The instruments used for assessment were the self-rating depression scale, internalized stigma of mental illness, and the burden of care schedule. The researchers used a purposive sampling technique to select and include participants in their study. The research employed a correlation study design and utilized Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient statistics. The findings showed a strong correlation between stigmatization and the burden of care experienced by caregivers of mentally ill patients, with a correlation coefficient of.613 (df = 8(188/196), f = 58.113, p Also, the second hypothesis was accepted indicating a significant correlation between depression and burden of care among caregivers at (r. =.438, df = 8(188/196), f = 58.113, sig =.000 p The third hypothesis was also accepted indicating a significant correlation between age and burden of care among caregivers at (r. =.412, df = 8(188/196), f = 58.113, sig =.000 p respectively. The study suggested that it is crucial to launch anti-stigma campaigns, seminars and educational programs to tackle the stigma surrounding mental illness within the community. Psychological assessment is highly recommended for caregivers