THE PREVALENCE AND ASSSOCIATED FACTORS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AMONG CAREGIVERS OF PEOPLE WITH SCIZOPHERNIA AT HAWASSA UNIVERSITY COMPREHENCIVE SPECIALIZED HOSPITAL OUT PATIENT, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Psychological Distress is conceptually defined as a unique, discomforting, emotional state experienced by an individual, in response to a specifics stressor or demand that results in harm either temporary, or permanent to the person. The objective of this study is to assess the prevalence and associated factors of psychological distress among family caregivers of people with schizophrenia at Hawassa University comprehensive specialized hospital outpatient, Ethiopia, 2023-2024. Facility based cross-sectional study was conducted in Hawassa university comprehensive specialized hospital from December, 2023-April 2024 with a total sample size of 422.cross sectional study design and non-probable sampling were used for the Questionnaire was developed from different literatures.. Data were gathered through face to face interview by data collectors trained for the study. Additional information required for the study was taken from patients’ card. SPSS version 20 was used for enter data and analysis. Binary and multiple logistic regressions were conducted with 95% confidence interval (CI) and adjusted odd ratio (AOR) was used to finally interpret the result. The prevalence of psychological distress among caregivers of people with schizophrenia was found to be 56%. Findings of this study showed being female, age group of 30 and above educational status of both caregiver and the patient, occupation, duration of caregiving and the illness and having low social support and in addition being stigmatized were also found to be significantly associated with psychological distress. This study demonstrates the need of paying attention to and being concerned about caregivers of patients with schizophrenia because these individuals are susceptible to psychological discomfort, experiencing stigma, and having little social support because of their caregiving responsibilities. Keyword: psychological distress, caregivers, schizophrenia, Ethiopia