Providing Mental Health Care To Patients: Emotional, Social And Economic Consequences On Caregivers

ABSTRACT

Background: Mental illness is debilitating both to immediate families and the society at large. In Ghana, mental illness is not treated as a priority in healthcare. Persons caring for their mentally-ill relatives often feel burdened, helpless and sometimes ignored by other family members and the society. The main objective of this study is to examine the social, economic and emotional consequences on families as a result of taking care of mentally-ill relatives attending the OPD of the Accra Psychiatric hospital.

Methodology: This study used a qualitative research method that purposively sampled 10 caregivers who accompanied mentally-ill patients to the psychiatric hospital. Caregivers (comprising seven males and three females aged between 29 and 69 years) were interviewed with the aid of an interview guide. Interviews were recorded on audio, transcribed and themes analysed. NVivo 11 was used to analyze the data and emerging themes were identified. Results: Themes related to emotions generated from the interviews were depression, strained marital relations, anxiety and psychological distress that could lead to physical ill-health such as hypertension. Economic related themes generated include loss of productive time, loss of economic value and a general reduced quality of life of both caregivers and their dependents. Social related themes that emerged from the interview are negative family effects, risk of isolation and stigmatization. Some additional themes generated included reduction in leisure, change in domestic routines and a reduction in physical activity. Mental illness often affects the caregiver‘s social life and economic problems arise frequently. Some of the consequences experienced were hard to bear and exerted considerable strain on care givers‘ lives. Despite this, majority remained committed to continuing to stay with and care for their patients.

Conclusion: The burden of caregivers should not be overlooked by clinicians, policy makers and the government.The provision of adequate emotional, economic and social support will significantly reduce caregiver burden.