Abstract
The literature reported several factors which could impact the quality of life of caregivers and patients with psychiatric illnesses. This study aimed to determine the level of quality of life among a sample of 532 of caregivers and patients with psychiatric illness at two out-patient mental health clinics in Northern Jordan, and to examine the relationships of sociodemographic characteristics, stigma and caregiver perceptions of burden with quality of life. A correlational descriptive design was utilized. Three self-administered questionnaires were used. Results indicated that patients had low to moderate QOL, and they suffered moderate to high stigma. Also, family caregivers perceived low to moderate QOL. Patients’ and family caregivers’ stigma perception correlated negatively and significantly with WHOQOL-BREF. Family caregivers’ burden correlated negatively and significantly with all domains of WHOQOL-BREF, total QOL-100, and self-reported general health. Health care providers should assure the importance of focusing more toward minimizing stigma and promoting physical and general health to maintain a good quality of life of caregivers and patients with mental illnesses.
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Acknowledgments
This study was funded by the Deanship of Research at Jordan University of Science and Technology (JD 4.500.00). The author would like to thank the staff at both clinics whose assistance is very much appreciated. A similar thank you is extended to all family caregivers for taking the time to fill out the questionnaires and assist the authors in achieving the goals of this study.
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The authors of this study have no known conflict of interests of any type.
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Dalky, H.F., Qandil, A.M., Natour, A.S. et al. Quality of Life, Stigma and Burden Perception Among Family Caregivers and Patients with Psychiatric Illnesses in Jordan. Community Ment Health J 53, 266–274 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-016-0028-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-016-0028-0