WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

Sonu Rajak* and Dr. Priscilla Samson

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The modern trend of deinstitutionalization led social integration for the individual suffering from a mental illness, while at the same time creating greater pressures for caregivers. The family members, as a caregiver has role and responsibilities after discharge of the patient. Thus, present study aims to assess the level of burden on family members of psychiatric patients attending the Outpatient Department (OPD) of Patan Hospital. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among 72 psychiatric patients attending the psychiatric outpatient department of Patan Hospital. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the family members. Data was collected from 4th October 2020 to 17th October 2020 by face-to-face interview technique using a self-developed, structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using PSPP. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data and interpret on the basis of statistical calculation such as frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. Results and Discussion: Forty-six percentages of family members of the psychiatric patient had a moderate level of burden, 33% had severe burden and 21% had a mild burden. Higher level of burden was found in the psychological domain with the mean score of 14.7 and standard deviation 7.4. Conclusions: Nearly half of the family members had moderate burden, more than one forth had severe burden and less than one forth had mild burden.