A Study to assess the Psychosocial problems and coping strategies of significant family members of mentally ill patients admitted at MHI (COE), SCBMCH, Cuttack

A descriptive study with quantitative approach was under taken on 50 significant family members of mentally ill patients selected by non probability convenient sampling technique at Mental Health Institute (COE), SCBMCH, Cuttack to assess the psychosocial problems and coping strategies of significant family members of mentally ill patients. Data was collected from 10.02.2020 to 10.03.2020 through questionnaire on psychosocial problems formulated in the form of 4-point likert scale. and COPE Inventory by Carver et al. rated on a 4-point scale format. Collected data were analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that Highest Percentage (40%) of the family members were in the age group of 48–60 years. A majority (66%) of them were male and (92%) of them were Hindus and (8%) of them were Muslim. Majority (60%) of them were married (36%) of them were farmer. Highest percentage (30%) of them were illiterate and majority (50%) of them were having income ≤ Rs.5000 and (56%) of them from nuclear family. Highest percentage (58%) of them were from rural area and (44%) of them were mother. Majority (38%) of them had >5 years of illness and (76%) of them were having no family history. Most of the significant family members of mentally ill patients (84%) under this study had moderate problem whereas (8%) of them had mild and also (8%) severe problems. The coping strategy most often used by the significant family members of mentally ill patients was restraint coping mean score (15.64±0.66) and instrumental social support mean score (15.64±0.52) and the least used was Humor mean score (4.04±0.28) and Alcohol disengagement mean score (4.38±0.28). The internal consistency of COPE Inventory exhibited Cronbach’s alpha (α) coefficients ranging from 0.93 (Emotional social support) and Instrumental social support (0.90) to 0.41 (Restraint coping). However, the (Restraint coping) shows lower alfa (α). Mostly Problem focused coping strategies (14.12±1.37) was used by the significant family members of the mentally ill patients.