Table 2 Caregiving burdens of caregivers

1. Bizarre behaviour manifested by the ill relative (e.g. muttering to oneself)

2.96

2. Fluctuating emotions of the ill relative○

2.96

3. Suicidal thoughts or attempts made by ill relative

2.83

4. Being unemployed

2.78

5. Ill relative refuses to take medication

2.72

6. Disputes among family members arising from differences on how to handle the ill relative

2.72

7. Destructive behaviour shown by ill relative (e.g. damaging furniture)

2.72

8. Ill relative refuses to go for medical follow-ups

2.69

9. Household life affected due to care of the person

2.63

10. Financial difficulties because of having to take care of the ill relative

2.58

11. Ill relative neglects personal hygiene

2.57

12. Ill relative refuses to go to work

2.56

13. Ill relative spends a great deal of time in bed

2.55

14. Ill relative idle at home

2.47

15. Cannot participate in social activities due to care of the ill relative

2.31

16. Ill relative refuses to perform household chores

2.16

Overall mean

2.09