Marital Satisfaction and Burden among Wives of Men with Alcohol Dependence Attending at Psychiatric OPD of Pravara Rural Hospital

Introduction: Alcohol dependence is a multifaceted disorder with complex etiology and contributing factors. Alcohol related problem primarily occurs within the family as well in society; however the maximum impact felt on spouse due to the nature of intimate relationship and togetherness. Spouse play significant role in prevention and management of substance abuse disorders including alcohol related disorders. Hence the present communication was carried out to assess marital satisfaction and burden in wives of men with alcohol dependence.

Materials and Methods: It's a case control study; out of 140 participants 70 wives of men with alcohol dependence and 70 wives of men without alcohol dependence was selected through simple random sampling technique as a case and control. Wives of 21 years of age, attending the OPD and willing to participate were enrolled in the study. The Short Alcohol Dependence Data, Kansas Marital Satisfaction Scale and Zarit Burden Interview were used to assess study variables. The data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics wherever required.

Results: The results highlight that the men having drinking habit had mean score of (18.94±6.8) indicates the men had 'medium alcohol dependence'. In relation to marital satisfaction, the mean score for wives in case is (11.47±4.4) indicates wives had 'some degree' of marital distress, and they had 'moderate level' of burden with the mean score of (47.87±18.1). However, the wives in control had comparatively less scores than the wives in case. Marital satisfaction was negatively correlated (r= - 0.35) with severity of alcohol dependence. Socio demographic variable such as education (x²=3.96) had significant association with marital satisfaction at p<0.05 level.

Conclusion: The men with alcohol dependent had 'medium' alcohol dependence, and their wives had 'low' marital dissatisfaction and had 'moderate' level burden. Addressing these issues will be helpful as spouses are known to play a significant role in the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of alcohol dependence syndrome.