CAREGIVER BURDEN AND ASSOCIATED SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHICabsttract

Background: Family caregivers are central to the care of individuals with severe psychiatric disorders, particularly in low-resource settings. The chronic and relapsing nature of these illnesses often imposes a significant burden on caregivers, impacting their emotional, physical, social, and financial well-being.Aim: This study aimed to assess the burden experienced by family caregivers of individuals with severe psychiatric disorders and examine its association with key socio-demographic variables.Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the Department of Psychiatry, ABVIMS & Dr. RML Hospital, New Delhi. A total of 100 caregivers were recruited through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a socio-demographic datasheet and the Family Burden Interview Schedule (FBIS), and inferential statistics (ANOVA, linear regression) were employed.Results:Caregivers reported moderate to high levels of burden, with the highest scores in the domains of mental health impact, routine disruption, and family interaction. The overall mean burden score was 15.9 ± 3.9, indicating a considerable level of caregiver burden in the study sample. Linear regression analysis revealed that caregiver age, gender, educational level, employment status, and duration of caregiving were significantly associated with burden scores (p < 0.05).Conclusion: The findings highlight the pervasive burden faced by caregivers and underscore the need for caregiver-centred mental health policies and psychosocial interventions. Tailored support strategies based on socio-demographic risk factors are essential to reduce distress and improve care outcomes.