Stress among caregivers of patients with substance use disorder (SUD).

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of stress among caregivers of patients with substance use disorder. Study Design: Cross-sectional Study. Setting: Punjab Institute of Mental Health, Lahore. Period: February to July 2024. Methods: 94 caregivers providing support for at least six months to SUD patients was selected. Data was collected through interviews using semi-structured questionnaires. Stress was measured in terms of anxiety and depression and was labelled if any of these were present. Anxiety defined as HAM-A ≥10 and depression as HDRS ≥8. Data analyzed using SPSS 26. Quantitative variables were summarized as mean±SD, and qualitative as frequencies & %. Data was stratified for effect modifier and chi-square test was applied for stress incidence, p ≤ 0.05 considered as significant. Results: Out of 94 caregivers, 46 (48.9%) experienced stress, depression was present in 41.5%, and anxiety in 24.5%. Stress incidence among caregivers found to be significantly related to job status and substance used nature, p 0.01 & 0.02, respectively. Conclusion: This study finding suggests that nearly half caregivers of patients with SUD experienced stress, with depression being more prevalent than anxiety. These findings highlight substantial psychological burden on caregivers, emphasizing the need for mental health support and interventions to mitigate stress and improve their well-being.