Open J Psychiatry Allied Sci. 2022;13:10-4. doi: 10.5958/2394-2061.2022.00003.9. Epub 2021 Jul 20.

Family burden among caregivers of alcohol dependence: a cross-sectional study.

Rathee S, Kumar V, Singh B, Singh P, Gupta R.

Abstract

Background: Family is the key resource for providing care to patients, including those with alcohol dependence in India. Person with alcohol dependence affects almost every (personal, social, and psychological) aspects of family life. This leads to troubles, difficulty or undesirable procedures which impact on family members and causes gigantic burden on family caregivers. Aim: Aim of the study was to assess the level of family burden among the primary caregivers of alcohol dependent patients. Methods: A hospital-based study was conducted at a drug de-addiction treatment and training centre in north India. On the basis of purposive sampling technique, 30 alcohol dependent patients were recruited from the outpatient department (OPD) with the availability of primary caregivers. With informed consent from patient and caregiver, 30 caregivers (one for each patient) were included in the study. Assessment for pattern of burden faced by the family caregivers of persons with alcohol dependence was done by using the Family Burden Interview Schedule (FBIS). Results: Results showed that 93% caregivers were spouses and most (86.7%) of them were housewives. Every domain of care indicated moderate to severe level of burden. Alcohol dependence was associated with burden in family members. It showed high burden in rural location with low-income families. Conclusion: Alcohol dependence adversely affects the patients as well as his caregivers.

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