Work overload faced by caregivers assisting frequenters of a psychosocial care center for children and adolescents in the south of Brazil

摘要

The scope of this article is to compare the work overload averages among caregivers assisting frequenters of a Psychosocial Care Center for children and adolescents (CAPSi) in Pelotas-Brazil in relation to the mental health of the children and adolescents and the caregivers themselves. It involved a cross-sectional study conducted with the primary caregiver of CAPSi frequenters. The work overload was evaluated using the Zarit Burden Interview scale and the mental health problems of frequenters were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). To verify the presence of common potential mental disorders of caregivers, a Self-Report Questionnaire (SRQ-20) was used. T-test and ANOVA was used for data analysis. The average work overload was significantly higher in caregivers of frequenters with behavioral problems (p = 0.000), hyperactivity (p = 0.001) and relationship problems with peers (p = 0.001). IT was also significantly higher among those classified as potential cases of common mental disorders (p = 0.000); women caregivers (p = 0.032) and those with past problems with the Judiciary and/or Guardianship Council involving a frequenter (p = 0.039). The importance of work geared to caregivers to enhance the quality of care and quality of life of the caregivers themselves should be highlighted.