Psychological Distress and Coping among Caregivers of Patient with Mental Disorder: A hospital based cross sectional study

Authors

  • Pratibha Khanal Department of Nursing, Kathmandu Medical College, Kathmandu University, Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Manisha Khatiwada Norvic International Hospital, Thapathali, Kathmandu, Nepal

Keywords:

Caregivers, Mentally ill, Psychological distress, Coping strategies

Abstract

Background: Caregivers of mentally ill patient are at risk of being subjected to psychological distress as they
routinely provide assistance and supervision to their mentally ill relatives. Caring mentally ill relatives is a
huge responsibility which demands a lot of time. Ill relatives require not only physical help but also emotional
support. The study aimed to find out the psychological distress and coping strategies among caregivers of
patient with mental illness.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at department of Psychiatry Kathmandu
Medical College, Nepal from December 30, 2019 to April 30, 2020. One hundred and eighty-five participants
were chosen purposively. Face to face interview was conducted using standard tools (Kessler Psychological
Distress Scale and Brief Cope Scale).
Results: Among 185 caregivers 81.6% showed no sign of psychological distress whereas 18.4% showed mild
to severe psychological distress. Caregivers used approach coping strategies 32.7±5.48 over avoidance coping
strategies 19.88±3.79. There is moderately positive correlation (r=0.45) between psychological distress and
avoidance coping strategies and this correlation is statistically significant (p=0.01). As the psychological
distress increases caregivers used avoidance coping mechanism.
Conclusion: Caregivers faced mild to severe psychological distress while providing care to mentally ill
relatives thus use of various coping strategies like informational support, active coping, religion helped to
reduce the distress.

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Published

2021-08-31

How to Cite

1.
Khanal P, Khatiwada M. Psychological Distress and Coping among Caregivers of Patient with Mental Disorder: A hospital based cross sectional study. Journal of Karnali Academy of Health Sciences [Internet]. 2021Aug.31 [cited 2024May9];4(2). Available from: https://jkahs.org.np/jkahs/index.php/jkahs/article/view/434

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 2 (2021): JKAHS; May-Aug Issue (11)

Section

Original Article

License

Copyright (c) 2021 Pratibha Khanal Khanal

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