A comparative analysis of burden of care and coping styles between wives of monosubstance- and polysubstance-dependent men

Polysubstance dependence has emerged as a clinically distinct entity from monosubstance dependence, yet its impact on patients’ wives is understudied. Wives of substance-dependent men face a tremendous burden in their social lives, leading to faulty coping and burden of care. Comparative studies between monosubstances and polysubstances are lacking. This study compared the burden of care and coping styles between wives of monosubstance- and polysubstance-dependent men. A comparative analysis was performed between wives of 70 monosubstance-dependent and 70 polysubstance-dependent patients. The burden of care was assessed by the Burden Assessment Schedule (BAS), whereas coping styles were assessed using the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (Brief COPE) Inventory. Both groups faced a moderate burden of care, which was significantly higher in wives of polysubstance abusers as compared to monosubstance abusers (U = 366.50, P < 0.01). The difference was mainly seen in their impact on well-being and relationships with others. Avoidant coping was significantly higher in wives of polysubstance abusers (U = 341.00, P < 0.01), whereas emotion-focused and problem-solving coping styles were equally represented. Avoidant and problem-solving coping styles positively correlated with the burden of care (P < 0.01). The burden of care and avoidant coping strategies are higher in wives of polysubstance-dependent men. An increased burden of care is associated with increased use of both avoidant coping and problem-solving coping.