A Cross-Sectional Study on Prevalence and Factors Associated with Caregiver Burden among Caregivers of Patients with Depressive Disorder

Depression is a chronic debilitating illness that causes functional impairment significantly affecting physical, mental, and social well-being of the individual, further impacting lives of their relatives. Majority of studies done in the past were on caregivers of patients suffering from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or chronic physical illnesses. We assessed caregiver burden in the caregivers of depressive disorder patients by using Montgomery Borgatta Caregiving Burden Scale. The study population had significantly higher proportion of subjective stress burden (70%) whereas subjective demand burden and objective burden were seen in 22.5% and 37.5% of caregivers respectively. Younger age, female, spouses, and nuclear family type were significantly associated with the presence of caregiver burden. High prevalence of caregiver burden was observed in caregivers of depressive disorder patients, which could predispose caregivers to develop psychiatric comorbidities. Thus, early interventions and teaching them better coping strategies could help in the reduction of caregiver distress.