Psycho-Social and Economic Burden on People with Physical Disabilities and Their Caregivers of Vijayapura District

Abstract

Introduction The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) defines disability as impairments, activity limitations, or participation restrictions due to interactions between a health condition and environmental and personal factors. Disabilities, which can be cognitive, physical, mental, sensory, emotional, or developmental, affect approximately 10% of the global population, or 650 million people, with 26.8 million individuals in India according to the 2011 Census. Disabilities significantly impact psychological, social, and economic dimensions, often leading to marginalization and affecting both individuals with disabilities and their families. Caregivers play a crucial role but often face emotional and financial challenges, particularly in developing countries with inadequate healthcare services. This study aims to evaluate the quality of life of individuals with disabilities and caregivers in the Vijayapura district. - Objectives: 1. To explore the psychological stress on the physically disabled persons and their caregivers (>18 years) using Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) questionnaire. 2. To assess the social burden on the Caregivers of physically disabled persons using the Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI). 3. To assess the Economic burden on family & caregivers of physically disabled persons by using the Financial Impact Scale (FIS). - Materials and Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the DDR Centre of BLDE (DU) Shri B M Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Vijayapura, Karnataka, focusing on physically disabled individuals and their caregivers. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Ethical Committee before commencing the study. Participants were interviewed using a pretested semi structured questionnaire to gather socio-demographic information. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was employed to evaluate psychological stress among physically disabled individuals, the Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI) was used to assess the social burden on caregivers, and the Financial Impact Scale (FIS) was utilized to measure the economic burden on families and caregivers of the physically disabled individuals. - Statistical Analysis: The data were compiled into an Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, and diagrams were utilized for analysis. The statistical association between depression and other independent variables was assessed using chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis. Results: Out of 400 participants, 40.3% experienced high levels of stress, while 51.5% reported moderate stress levels according to the PSS scale. On the CBI scale, 56% indicated a greater need for respite and services, and 73.8% agreed that caregiving strained their family and social life based on the FIS scale. Binary logistic regression showed significant associations between caregivers’ burden and several independent variables like low income and lower educational level (p<0.001). - Conclusion: Improving the quality of life for physically disabled individuals and their caregivers to alleviate their stress and burden is crucial. Effective communication techniques and regular counselling are needed to identify subtle signs of distress and prompt timely help.