Determination of Social Support States of Primary Caregivers of Psychiatric Patients

Objectives: The aim of this present research was to determine social support states of primary caregivers of patients diagnosed with psychiatric disorders. Methods: One hundred and twenty-six primary caregivers of patients who resided in the psychiatry inpatient clinic or who were followed in the outpatient clinic were included in this descriptive research. The research was conducted between 1 March and 15 April 2009. The data were collected using a personal information form and multi-dimensional scale of perceived social support. Percentage distribution and t test were used for the data analysis. Results: It was determined that there was a statistically significant difference between the social support scores of the caregivers whose patients resided in the psychiatry inpatient clinic and those of the caregivers whose patients presented to the outpatient clinic (p<0.05). Also, family support scores, significant other support scores and total social support scores were low among the caregivers whose patients resided at the inpatient clinic. Family support scores, friend support scores, significant other support scores, and total support scores of the caregivers who obtained support from the social environment for patient care and whose patients resided at the inpatient clinic were high. On the other hand, only family support scores were high among the caregivers of the patients who presented to the outpatient clinic.. Conclusion: It was seen that social support levels of the caregivers of patients residing in the inpatient clinic and of those whose patients presented to the outpatient clinic were different, with social support levels of the caregivers of patients residing at the inpatient clinic being lower. It is essential that caregivers are helped so that they can identify the social support resources and use them effectively.