Satisfied carers of persons with enduring mental illness: who and why?

This secondary mixed-methods analysis was based on the interview data collected for an exploratory study of the experiences and needs of carers of persons with enduring mental illness. The aims were to identify and describe socio-demographic and contextual factors associated with the satisfaction of carers with family support.

Content analysis and non-parametric tests were used for the exploration of qualitative and quantitative data collected from 38 carers.

The majority of the satisfied carers were male and from a higher socio-economic group than other carers. The ill relatives of all satisfied participants resided outside their family homes. Carer satisfaction was associated with such categories as: a caring service; supportive and unintrusive family relationships; being accepted as partners; supportive community; and suitable family services. All the identified categories were interrelated.

The identified categories and socio-demographic factors should be considered for inclusion in the planning and evaluation of family support services.