An exploratory study of caregiver burden and general wellbeing among the caregivers of patients with epilepsy

Pages: 503-506
Nidhi Singh (IHBAS, New Delhi)
Lovika P. Shikhu (Trainee, New Delhi)
Ruchi Varma (Clinical Psychologist, New Delhi)
Vibha Sharma (Department of Clinical Psychology. Institute of Human Behaviour & Allied Sciences, Delhi)

The present study is an attempt to study the caregiver burden, and level of general well-being being among the primary caregivers of the persons diagnosed with epilepsy for more than one year. Study was exploratory in nature. A sample of 30 primary caregivers of patients with epilepsy was selected. Both males and females between age ranges of 25 to 55 years were selected from neurology OPD of IHBAS, Delhi by using purposive technique. Zarit Burden interview, and PGI general well-being measure were administered on the sample to study their caregiver burden and general well-being. All participants were psycho educated about the illness. Results showed that caregivers had poor perceived social support and mostly they were experiencing moderate to severe level of care giving burden and low general well-being. Results are discussed in the light of the need of such studies so that professional help can be provided to caregivers also, to deal with their physical, mental and social problems.