The relationship between caregiver burden and death anxiety among caregivers of people with psychiatric disorders

Caring for people with psychiatric disorders may place considerable emotional, physical, and social demands on family caregivers. These challenges can increase caregivers’ burden and contribute to death anxiety. This study aimed to examine the relationship between caregiver burden and death anxiety among caregivers of people with psychiatric disorders. The study population consisted of caregivers of 360 people receiving treatment at the psychiatry outpatient clinic, and the final sample included 150 caregivers. Caregivers had moderate levels of caregiver burden and high levels of death anxiety. Caregiver burden was positively associated with death anxiety. Linear regression analysis showed that caregiver burden was a significant predictor of death anxiety, explaining 30.7% of its variance (R² = 0.307). Caregiver burden and death anxiety differed according to several caregiver characteristics. Implementing regular support and psychoeducation programs for caregivers of people with psychiatric disorders, providing home-based health services when necessary, and offering regular social support interventions to reduce death anxiety are recommended. In addition, involving caregivers in treatment and support programs for people with psychiatric disorders may strengthen family support and contribute to better caregiving outcomes.