Psychological Distress, Domestic Violence, and Coping Mechanism of Wives of Patients with Alcohol Dependence Syndrome During Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) in India: A Cross-sectional and Institutional-based Study

Abstract

Introduction Alcohol dependence specifically leads to intimate partner violence and it is associated with a variety of outcomes including phobias, depression, anxiety, substance dependence, somatization, and suicidal ideation. The aim of this study is to assess the psychological distress, domestic violence, and coping mechanisms of wives of patients with alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS) during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Material and Methods The study was cross-sectional in nature and was conducted at the Department of Psychiatry, Government Medical College and Hospital Sector 32, Chandigarh. Sixty wives whose husbands were diagnosed with alcohol dependence syndrome as per the ICD-10 criteria were selected using a consecutive sampling technique. The researcher used the Socio-demographics Performa, Questionnaire for Spouse (Wife) Responses on alcohol use by husband, the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), the Domestic Violence Questionnaire (DVQ), and the Brief-COPE (Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced) Inventory. Results The results of the study highlight that 18.3% of participants are having mild distress, 28.3% are living under moderate distress, and 46.7% of participants are having severe distress. A significant difference between psychological violence before lockdown (3.42 ± 1.84) and during lockdown (5.11 ± 3.27), physical violence before lockdown (4.71 ± 2.15) and during lockdown (5.37 ± 3.30), sexual violence before lockdown (3.25 ± 1.95) and during lockdown (5.63 ± 2.13), all the three responses come significant at P < 0.001 level. Conclusion In conclusion, the study underscores the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdown measures on the well-being of wives grappling with the dual challenges of navigating a public health crisis and coping with a husband suffering from alcohol dependence syndrome. The identified distress among these individuals highlights the urgent need for comprehensive mental health and psychosocial interventions. By implementing targeted strategies and support systems, healthcare professionals and policymakers can contribute to alleviating the burden faced by these wives, fostering resilience, and promoting overall family well-being during these unprecedented times.

Keywords

• alcohol dependence syndrome
• coping
• covid-19
• domestic violence and psychological distress