INVESTIGATING BURNOUT AND COMPASSION FATIGUE AMONG CAREGIVERS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DEPRESSION IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background: In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like Pakistan, where formal mental health infrastructure is limited, the caregiving burden for individuals with depression often falls on family members. These informal caregivers face significant emotional and psychological strain, yet their mental well-being remains an understudied domain. This study investigates the prevalence of burnout and compassion fatigue among caregivers of individuals diagnosed with depression in Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a purposive sample of 60 caregivers recruited from a psychiatric hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Participants completed demographic questionnaires and the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL R-IV), which assessed levels of burnout and compassion fatigue. Descriptive statistics and cross-tabulation analyses were employed to evaluate the prevalence and distribution of psychological distress across different demographic variables. Results: Findings revealed that 93.3% of participants experienced moderate levels of burnout, while 80% reported moderate levels of compassion fatigue. The majority of caregivers were female (56.7%), belonged to lower socioeconomic backgrounds (66.7%), and came from nuclear family structures. Cross-tab analyses confirmed a consistent trend of psychological strain across gender, education, and working status. These outcomes underscore the psychological vulnerability of informal caregivers in the context of chronic mental illness, particularly depressive disorders. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that caregivers of individuals with depression in Pakistan are at considerable risk for burnout and compassion fatigue. Cultural norms, gender roles, economic hardship, and social stigma contribute significantly to the burden experienced by these caregivers. Findings highlight the urgent need to develop culturally sensitive support programs and policies that prioritize caregiver mental health as part of comprehensive psychiatric care.

Keywords: Burnout, Compassion Fatigue, Caregivers, Depression, Pakistan