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Burdens and Psychological Health of Family Caregivers of People with Schizophrenia in Two Chinese Metropolitan Cities: Hong Kong and Guangzhou

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Abstract

Family members charged with the care of those suffering from schizophrenia experience considerable stress due to their multiple responsibilities. Research regarding the burdens of caregiving is scant in Hong Kong and China. The present study quantified the association of the duties of caregivers with mental health symptoms in two Asian cities having distinct health care systems (i.e., Hong Kong and Guangzhou, China). Thirty nine caregivers in Hong Kong and 70 caregivers in Guangzhou were recruited from nongovernmental mental health organizations. They were assessed using the Chinese version of the Involvement Evaluation Questionnaire and the General Health Questionnaire. While the Guangzhou family caregivers had a significantly higher burden than the Hong Kong sample, there was no significant difference in the psychological health status of family caregivers in the two cities. Result of correlational analyses, however, revealed high associations between burden of care variables and the psychological health of the caregivers. Findings for the present study have implications regarding the physical and mental health needs of those caring for seriously disturbed relatives.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Richmond Fellowship of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PRC China

    Paul CW Lam

  2. Department of Social Work, Hong Kong Baptist University, Baptist University Road, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong

    Petrus Ng

  3. California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University, San Diego, CA, USA

    Christopher Tori

Authors
  1. Paul CW Lam
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  2. Petrus Ng
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  3. Christopher Tori
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Correspondence to Petrus Ng.

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CW Lam, P., Ng, P. & Tori, C. Burdens and Psychological Health of Family Caregivers of People with Schizophrenia in Two Chinese Metropolitan Cities: Hong Kong and Guangzhou. Community Ment Health J 49, 841–846 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-013-9622-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-013-9622-6

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