A study of Burden of Care and Expressed Emotions in the Caregivers of Patients with Alcohol Use Disorder

Abstract

Background: Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a major global public health concern, and the role of family is important in its care-giving. Caregivers often sacrifice their own needs and undertake considerable stress. Screening for psychiatric symptoms in caregivers can help prevention of further morbidity. This study aimed at assessing burden of care and expressed emotions in caregivers of alcohol users, as well as exploring their correlations with each other. Method: The Patients of Alcohol Use Disorder (as per DSM-5 diagnostic criteria) and their caregivers were assessed (n = 250) using tools, Burden Assessment Schedule (BAS) and Family Emotional Involvement and Criticism Scale (FEICS). The data was analyzed using SPSS 28 and correlation was conducted. Results: the study utilized a correlational research design for the total sample size of 250 caregivers of AUD patients. The study reveals a strong association of burden of care with FEICS-Perceived Criticism (r = 0.036*, p<0.05) and the FEICS-Emotional Involvement (r = 0.030*, p<0.05). Hence, a significant positive correlation was observed among the scores of BAS with FEICS. Conclusion: Our study reveals high rates of burden of care and expressed emotions among  the caregivers of AUD patients that need to be addressed in future research attempts either independently or as a part of alcohol treatment programs.

Keywords: Caregiver, Alcohol Use Disorder, Burden of care, Expressed emotion