A Qualitative Study to Assess Perceived Burden Among Caregivers of Client with Substance Dependence

Background: Substance dependence is a social problem worldwide. Living with clients of substance dependence is a difficult situation for the caregivers. The burden of providing sustained care to these patients affects the well-being and general health of the care givers. This study explored the caregiver's burden of care giving for clients with substance dependence. Objectives: To assess the perceived burden among caregivers of clients with substance dependence

Study Design: Phenomenological research design.

Materials and Methods: Seventeen family caregivers of the clients with substance dependence were recruited using purposive sampling. Data were collected through face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Each interview was transcribed verbatim and was thematically analyzed concurrently.

Results: Five major themes emerged from the analysis of the transcripts: Psychological Burden, Physical Burden, Social Isolation, Health Problems, and Financial Burden. The study reflects that caregivers of drug abuse client had blend of negative feelings as Sadness, anger, stress and guilt feeling. They experienced negative physical and psychosocial consequences of full-time and highly extended care giving roles, such as musculoskeletal disorders, sleep disturbance, a high level of anxiety, stress, and social isolation. Caregivers also expressed financial constrains, and feeling of shame while taking credits from others to fulfill their financial needs.