Perceived stress and associated factors among primary caregivers of patients with mental illness attending the Outpatient Department at Jimma Medical Center, Southwest Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

Mental illness is a major global burden affecting millions of people and straining health, economies, and families. Primary caregivers of patients with mental illness often experience significant problems with emotional, physical, and financial issues due to the demands of their role, resulting in perceived stress, which affects their well-being and the quality of care provided. Despite this, there is inadequate information on their perception of caregiver stress in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess perceived stress and associated factors among primary caregivers of patients with mental illness attending Jimma Medical Center. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 409 primary caregivers at the Jimma Medical Center psychiatric outpatient department from May 6 to June 7, 2024. The study sample was selected using the convenience sampling method. Data were collected using the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) questionnaire through face-to-face interviews and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Bivariable and multivariable ordinal logistic regression analyses were done to identify factors associated with perceived stress at P-value ≤ 0.05. Among 409 primary caregivers, the prevalence of perceived stress was 13.2% high, 62.1% moderate, and 24.7% low. Lack of formal education among caregivers (OR=2.236, CI: 1.132-4.419), patient aggressive behavior (OR=2.315, CI: 1.310-4.092), high care burden (OR=4.011, CI: 2.083-12.938), low coping strategies (OR=3.611, CI: 1.223-9.366), and patient comorbid illnesses (OR=3.074, CI: 2.481-10.077) were statistically associated with caregivers' perceived stress. Three-fourths of primary caregivers of patients with mental illness experience moderate to high stress, while one-fourth perceive low stress. The high prevalence of stress, particularly among less-educated caregivers; high care burden; low coping strategies; and those managing patient aggression, improved access to mental health resources, building resilience programs, coping strategies, and enhancing social support networks are needed to mitigate caregiver stress and improve overall well-being.