Objective and subjective burden in relatives of patients with schizophrenia and its influence on care relationships in Chile

• Sixty-five caregivers underwent Subjective and Objective Family Burden Interviews.
• Results showed moderate to high subjective burden and low support levels.
• Burden and disturbed behaviour containment were correlated with worse relationships.
• Caregiver burden was higher relative to that of caregivers in developed countries.

This study examined the burden on family members of patients with schizophrenia in a Chilean community. Sixty-five caregivers underwent the Subjective and Objective Family Burden Interview. The results showed moderate to high levels of subjective burden and low levels of support from others in providing care. Burden and containment of disturbed behaviour were correlated with worse relationships between patients and caregivers, with the latter spending less time working outside the home. The assessed sample showed a similar pattern of burden to that of caregivers from developed countries; however, the extent of the burden tended to be higher in Chilean caregivers.