Caregiver Burden in Substance Use Disorders Patients

Background: Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) impose significant challenges not only on individuals grappling with addiction but also on the caregivers who provide support and care. The caregiving role is associated with multifaceted burdens that require understanding and targeted interventions. Recognizing the diverse dimensions of caregiver burden is crucial for offering effective support. Objective: The study aimed to find out the caregiver burden in substance use disorder patients, examining severity and socio-demographic correlations, contributing insights into effective support strategies. Methodology: The cross-sectional observational study took place at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College's Psychiatry Department and a private psychiatric and drug rehabilitation center in Sylhet from September 1, 2018, to August 31, 2020. The research focused on substance use disorder patients and their caregivers, involving 50 eligible patients selected through inclusion and exclusions criteria. Diagnoses followed DSM IV criteria. Socio-demographics were gathered via semi-structured questionnaires. Caregiver burden was assessed using the Bengali Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) scale through approximately hour-long interviews, with 1-2 daily. Ethical procedures encompassed informed consent and confidentiality assurance. Result: The study included 50 male participants. Patients mean age was 31.92 (±8.21) and caregivers mean age was 41.68 (±12.89). Mainly, caregivers were mothers (40%) and wives (34%). Caregivers experiencing moderate to severe burden were 58%, mild to moderate burden were 26%, and severe burden were 16%. Mean ZBI score was 48.22±13.55. Higher burden correlated with illiteracy, low family income, excessive drug spending, prolonged substance use, and multiple drug usage. Alcohol users faced more burden than other substance users. Female caregivers, younger age, and housewives experienced heightened burden. No burden links were found with marital status, habitat, religion, family type, or drug administration method. Conclusion: This study concluded that Substance use heightens caregiver burden, notably among female, young, and housewife caregivers. Addressing these trends is vital for effective care of substance use