Caregiver burden, social support, and family well-being among caregivers of common mental disorder patients in Bhopal.

Abstract

Background: Common mental disorders (CMDs) are distress states manifesting with anxiety, depression, and unexplained somatic symptoms. CMD patients require care and attention, which places additional demands on the caregivers and the family members. This study aimed to determine the caregiver burden, social support, and family well-being among caregivers of CMD patients in Bhopal.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey was held among 236 caregivers of CMD patients presenting to a tertiary healthcare center in Bhopal. Primary caregivers aged 18 years and above and providing care for more than 1 month were included. Data were collected through interviews by using the sociodemographic proforma, Zarit burden interview scale, multidimensional scale of perceived social support, and family health scale.

Result: About 31.3% of caregivers had a high burden, 53% had a mild-to-moderate burden, and 15.7% had a no-to-mild burden. Most caregivers (75.8%) perceived moderate social support, and 15.7% perceived high social support. A total of 48.3% of caregivers rated family well-being as moderate, 45.8% as poor, and only 5.9% as excellent. Perceived social support and family well-being showed a moderate, positive relationship (r = 0.584, P < 0.01), and both accounted for 18.5% of the variance in the caregiver burden. Perceived social support (r = -0.384) and family well-being (r = -0.394) demonstrated an inverse relationship with caregiver burden (P < 0.01).

Conclusion: There is a need to enhance social support for caregivers and the family well-being of CMD patients. Healthcare providers at all levels should identify the need for social support for caregivers and plan suitable strategies for family-centered care of CMD patients.