Family stigma and care burden of schizophrenia patients: Comparison between Japan and Korea

Introduction: In the present study, we compared the care burden and stigma experienced by families of patients with schizophrenia in Japan (Niigata) and Korea (Seoul and Daegu) to elucidate similarities and differences in the sociocultural factors that affect the care experience of families in East Asia. Methods: Factors such as care burden (evaluated using the eight-item short version of the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview [ZBI-8]), stigma, and social distance were evaluated in members of support groups for families of mentally ill individuals in Japan (n=47) and Korea (n=92) using an interview questionnaire. Interviewees reported their personal attitudes (personal stigma and social distance) and perceptions of the attitudes of others in the community (perceived stigma) with respect to a case vignette. These vignettes described a person with chronic schizophrenia. Results: The data analysis revealed the following: (i) feelings of care burden (according to ZBI-8), perceived stigma, and social distance were significantly stronger in Japan compared to Korea, and (ii) feelings of personal stigma were significantly stronger in Korea than in Japan. Discussion: The care burden and stigma experienced by families of patients with schizophrenia differed between Japan and Korea. The present findings suggest that to provide effective support for reducing family stigma and care burden, the necessity of such support must be emphasized in both countries.