Factors Affecting the Sense of Burden Felt by Family Members Caring for Patients With Mental Illness

The purpose of this study was to identify factors that affect the sense of burden felt by family members caring for patients with mental illness at home in Japan. This study was conducted by using the cross-sectional method, and a questionnaire was delivered to 30 patients and 30 family caregivers. A multiple regression analysis was conducted, with sense of burden as the dependent variable and variables showing a significant correlation in the univariate analysis as the independent variables. The results of the study revealed that patientsʹ satisfaction with daily life and ability to perform tasks had a strong impact on the sense of burden felt by the caregivers. These results suggest that providing support that enhances the quality of life of the patients with mental illness may indirectly help reduce the sense of burden felt by family members caring for them.