Perceived physical burden among caregivers of person with chronic mental illness

Pages: 1686-1692
Jaya Bharti (Department of Psychology, A.N.D.N.N.M.M., University of Kanpur, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh)
Pallavi Bhatnagar (Department of Psychology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh)

‘Caregiver’ is defined as an individual responsible for caring for a sick or dependent individual, who helps this individual to perform daily tasks such as eating and personal hygiene, in addition to administering routine medication and accompanying the individual to health care services or other services, necessary in their daily routine, excluding techniques or procedures identified as being exclusive to other legally established professions. Several researches have focused on Objective burden, coping strategies, stigmatization of families with mentally ill patients and other specific issues about caregivers of mental patients in the last few years. Lack of training and awareness about the bizarre behaviour adds to the burden of the caregiver and adversely affects their quality of life and relationships. With poor knowledge about the disorder, caregiving often adds more pain to the patient. A Ex-Post Facto research was undertaken to assess the burden, using purposive sampling technique among of 50 family caregivers of person with Schizophrenia, Personality Disorder, Bipolar affective disorder, Anxiety and Depression from the psychiatric hospital at Lucknow. Demographic data sheet, Self developed burden interview schedule were administered to the caregivers. Finding revealed that Females caregivers experience higher levels of caregiving stressors, little social support and poor psychological and physical health. They reported greater interference and limitations in their work and social life due to caregiving, less positive outlook and greater need for external support than counterparts.