Impact of Substance Dependence on Primary Caretaker in Rural Punjab.

Objectives: The study was planned to assess the impact of substance dependence and factors affecting it on PCT (Primary Care Taker) in rural area of Punjab. Methods: This is a systematic, randomized,cross sectional study which involves 83 PCT of patients with ICD-10 diagnosis of substance dependence in village Chhajli of Punjab. Details of substance useand sociodemographic attributes of dependence patients were taken on semi-structured proforma. All PCT underwent detailed assessment using Family Burden Interview Schedule. Results: Majority of PCT (77.5 percent) was found to have moderate burden especially in financial areas, disruption of routine activities, family leisure and family interaction. Higher proportion of burden was seen in PCT of illiterate patients of reproductive age group, of lower socioeconomic status, having multiple and longer duration of substance dependence and had relapsed many times. Conclusion:Burden on PCT was observed more in temporal association to the number of substance, type and duration of dependence. The impact of substance dependence on family members must be assessed at every stage of patient treatment for better quality of life.

Perfil psicosocial del cuidador primario informal del paciente con EPOC / Psychosocial profile of the informal primary caretaker of patients with COPD

Introducción: La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) es un trastorno progresivo que afecta la calidad de vida del paciente y su familia. Se considera que cerca del 75% de los pacientes con EPOC avanzada no pueden realizar actividades cotidianas y tienen que estar al cuidado de una persona. Objetivo: Conocer y describir el perfil psicosocial del cuidador primario informal (CPI) de pacientes con EPOC. Método: Estudio descriptivo, prospectivo y transversal realizado durante el periodo de julio a agosto de 2006. A los CPI que asistían al Servicio de Consulta Externa con su paciente con EPOC, previa cita se les aplicó el Cuestionario de Salud del Cuidador Primario Informal. Resultados: Se entrevistaron a 46 CPI. El 76.1 % eran del sexo femenino, con edad promedio de 50 años, 66.7% casadas, 32.6% eran esposas de los pacientes y el 32.6%> hijas. El 32.6% sabía leer y escribir, 52.2% se dedicaban al hogar y 84.8% compartían el domicilio con el paciente. Sólo el 37% reportó como poco estresante cuidar a su paciente y el 23.9% como moderadamente estresante; el 63% reporto síntomas de estrés como tristeza y/o depresión, 52.2% irritabilidad y enojo, 50% preocupación, miedo y ansiedad, 58.7% dificultad para dormir y descansar, 73.3% tensión muscular y el 45.7% cansancio. Conclusiones: El perfil psicosocial del CPI en este estudio es consistente con lo reportado en México y en otros países. Se destaca la figura del CPI como fundamental en el cuidado y atención del enfermo crónico, así como la necesidad de desarrollar protocolos que consideren la formación y atención del CPI.

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects patient and patient's family quality of life. Nearly 75% of patients with COPD are unable to perform their usual daily chores without the help of a caretaker. Objective: To describe the psychosocial profile of the informal primary caretaker (IPC) of patients with COPD in our socioeconomic environment. Method: Prospective, descriptive, horizontal study during July and August 2006; I PCs arriving to the outpatient clinic with their patients with COPD were submitted to The Health's IPC Questionary. Results: Forty six IPCs were interviewed; 76.1% were female, 66.7% were married, 32.6% were patients' wives, 32.6% daughters, 67.4% were illiterate, 52.2% were housewives and 84.8% shared the home with the patient, 50% had not seen a physician during the previous six months. Only 37% reported light and 23.9% moderate stress during their caretaking chores; 63% reported sadness and/or depression, 52.2% anger and irritability, 50% fear and anxiety, 58.7% rest and sleep difficulties, 73.3% muscular tension and 45.7% fatigue. Conclusions: The psychosocial profile of the IPC in our study is consistent with that of reports from México and other countries. The importance of the IPC as a caretaker of patients with COPD is underscored, as well as the need to develop protocols to train and help the needs of the IPC.