Exploration on quality of life of caregivers of patients with bipolar affective disorder

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The quality of life of caregivers is a significant concern since their active participation is critical for the effective treatment of patients. The present study was conducted to assess the quality of life of caregivers of patients undergoing treatment for bipolar affective disorder and to identify the factors associated with their quality of life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study of seven months duration was carried out among 64 subjects, satisfying the inclusion criteria. The socio-demographic details and other relevant information pertaining to the subjects were collected in a well-designed data collection form. The quality of life of the caregivers was assessed by using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. RESULTS: Among the 64 subjects enrolled in the present study, the mean scores of the physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains were 55.84 ± 16.60, 49.89 ± 18.31, 57.84 ± 18.74, and 51.97 ± 17.26, respectively. Various socio-demographic factors were found to have a statistically significant association with all four domains of quality of life. CONCLUSION: The current research would offer healthcare professionals valuable insights into the importance of addressing the health-related quality of life for all caregivers of patients with BPAD.

Keywords

• bipolar disorder
• caregivers’ well-being
• mental health
• patient support
• quality of life
• whoqol-bref