Professional Quality of Life Among Caregivers of Individuals with Psychosis in Pakistan: Assessing Compassion Satisfaction, Burnout, and Compassion Fatigue

Abstract

Background: Caregivers of individuals with psychosis face significant emotional and psychological challenges, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like Pakistan, where formal support systems are limited. Despite their critical role, the psychological well-being of these caregivers remains under researched, especially in relation to burnout, compassion fatigue, and compassion satisfaction. Objective: This study aimed to assess the professional quality of life among caregivers of individuals with psychosis in Pakistan, focusing on three key domains, compassion satisfaction, burnout, and compassion fatigue. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 60 primary caregivers recruited from a psychiatric care facility in Karachi. Participants completed the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL R-IV), which evaluates compassion satisfaction, burnout, and compassion fatigue. Demographic data were also collected to explore contextual factors influencing caregiver well-being. Results: The findings revealed that 68.3% of caregivers reported low compassion satisfaction, while 83.3% experienced average levels of burnout. Compassion fatigue was prevalent, with 88.3% showing average levels and 11.7% reporting high levels. Caregiving was predominantly undertaken by mothers (43.3%) and family members from middle-class, joint family systems. Educational levels were generally low, with 53.3% having only middle-level education, and a significant portion balancing caregiving with employment. Conclusion: The study underscores a concerning psychological profile among caregivers of individuals with psychosis in Pakistan, marked by emotional exhaustion and low caregiving reward. These findings highlight the urgent need for culturally appropriate, caregiver-focused mental health interventions and policy reforms. Addressing caregiver well-being is essential not only for their own mental health but also for sustainable patient care in low-resource settings.