Background: The well-being of family caregivers of mentally ill patients has often been ignored despite of the fact that caregivers have a significant role in supporting the patient both psychologically as well as physiologically. This study examined the level of burden experienced by family caregivers while caring for their mentally ill patients. Objectives: To assess the burden among caregivers of patients with mental illness. Materials and Methods: A quantitative approach with a descriptive design was used in the study. The study was conducted in O.P.D of Doon Hospital, Dehradun. Probability Consecutive sampling technique was used to collect data from 550 subjects. The duration of the data collection was 4 months. Burden assessment scale was used to assess the burden among caregivers of patients with mental illness. Results: The mean score was 54.22 with a standard deviation of 7.851. The majority of caregivers 65.09% had a higher level of burden. On the other hand, 34.90% of caregivers had a lower level of burden. Conclusion: It is concluded that more than half of the caregivers experienced higher level of burden which makes it apparent that most caregivers of mentally ill patients feel burdened in caring for their patients. Supportive measures, raising awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding the mental health can be helpful in addressing as well as reducing the burden of caregivers.
Burden, Caregivers, Mental illness, Patient
International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development - IJTSRD having
online ISSN 2456-6470. IJTSRD is a leading Open Access, Peer-Reviewed International
Journal which provides rapid publication of your research articles and aims to promote
the theory and practice along with knowledge sharing between researchers, developers,
engineers, students, and practitioners working in and around the world in many areas
like Sciences, Technology, Innovation, Engineering, Agriculture, Management and
many more and it is recommended by all Universities, review articles and short communications
in all subjects. IJTSRD running an International Journal who are proving quality
publication of peer reviewed and refereed international journals from diverse fields
that emphasizes new research, development and their applications. IJTSRD provides
an online access to exchange your research work, technical notes & surveying results
among professionals throughout the world in e-journals. IJTSRD is a fastest growing
and dynamic professional organization. The aim of this organization is to provide
access not only to world class research resources, but through its professionals
aim to bring in a significant transformation in the real of open access journals
and online publishing.