Developing and pilot testing an intervention model to manage the burden of family caregivers of older adults with schizophrenia

The chronic and severe nature of schizophrenia places a significant burden on caregivers. These include financial strain, lack of access to healthcare, and inadequate knowledge about illness. The study aimed to develop, and pilot test an intervention model to address the caregiver burden faced by families caring for elderly individuals with schizophrenia in Southwest Nigeria. Using a convergent mixed-methods design, quantitative data were collected from 340 caregivers via the Zarit Burden Interview and WHOQOL-BREF and qualitative insights from 20 in-depth interviews. Findings revealed a high caregiver burden, with 52.6% reporting a severe burden. Financial constraints and emotional stress were the key drivers. 34.4% reported frequent shortages of moderators such as social support. The Family Caregivers of Older People with Schizophrenia Model (FCOPSM), integrating psychoeducation, skills training, support groups, financial advocacy, and stigma reduction tailored to the Nigerian context, was guided by the design and development model and validated through an expert review with a Scale Content Validity Index of 0.96. Pilot testing with one psychiatric nurse and nine caregivers across two stages demonstrated feasibility, with caregivers reporting improved knowledge, stress management and reduced burden score (p < 0.05). The FCOPSM provides a preliminary, culturally tailored framework that may help empower family caregivers of older people with schizophrenia and health workers in managing caregiving burden. However, further validation is needed to assess scalability in resource-limited settings.