Lived experiences of caregivers for individuals with serious mental illness in Butambala District

Abstract

More than ten million Ugandans are living with serious mental illness, with the highest burden in rural areas leading to continued economic burden and productivity at the individual and national levels. Serious Mental Illnesses have considerable negative consequences on the quality of life of patients and their caregivers. The purpose of the study was to examine the lived experiences of caregivers for individuals with serious mental illness in Butambala district which is a predominantly a rural area. The research questions focused on the experiences, stressors, social support and coping strategies of caregivers of individuals with serious mental illness. The study used a qualitative research design particularly, the phenomenological research approach as it captures the depth and complexity of human experiences. The study used purposive sampling to identify participants who were both male and female adults at the age of 18 years and above and were caregivers of individuals with Serious Mental Illness. Audios were recorded, individual face to face semi structured interviews were conducted, transcribed verbatim done and data was analysed using thematic analysis. Different themes and sub themes came up under the three variables, under lived experiences themes like 1) neglect of personal needs, 2) emotional distress and 3) financial impact, under coping strategies, emotional focused and problem focused coping strategies and lastly social support with informal and formal social support. Therefore, the research highlights the need to start up support programs like peer support groups and group therapy, government funded programs, educational programs and mental health awareness campaigns specifically for caregivers in rural communities should be set up.