Family caregiver experiences in a severe mental disorder: a perspective from an urban community in Harare, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Background: The process of de-institutionalisation has led to a shift in care roles from mental health professionals who provide institutionalised care to an integrated community-based approach, with family members now being the primary caregivers. Caring for a family member with a Severe Mental Disorder (SMD) can be a challenging experience. However, the extent of the burden is often difficult to assess and quantify, and as a result, it is frequently ignored, yet caregiver burden can significantly impact the family's quality of life. This study explored family caregiver experiences, burden and needs among caregivers of family members living with severe mental disorders.
Materials and Methods: Data were collected through 14 semi-structured individual interviews and two focus group discussions of family caregivers who cared for relatives with SMD who were being followed up at two randomly selected local municipality polyclinics. An exploratory qualitative research design was used, which was descriptive.
Results: Caregivers experienced physical, psychological, social and financial burdens due to caregiving. The majority of caregivers used alcohol as one of the negative coping strategies and had poor quality of life. The findings also showed over-reliance on traditional and faith healers, which negatively influenced caregivers' help-seeking, resulting in delays, further reflecting alternative belief systems and health-seeking behaviour rather than medicalised care.
Conclusions: Caregivers experience various burdens and use both negative and positive coping strategies. They require support from both health professionals and the Government to cope better. Culturally sensitive intervention strategies for family caregivers are critical in mitigating caregiver burden.