Caregiver Burden and Coping Strategies in Caregivers of Persons with Spinal Cord Injury

Roop  Singh; Ram Krishna  Mishra; Bhawna  Verma; Svareen  Kaur

doi:10.18502/jost.v12i2.21514

Roop Singh Senior Professor, Department of Orthopedics Surgery, Paraplegia and Rehabilitation, Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma University of Health Sciences, Rohtak, India
Ram Krishna Mishra Ex Resident, Department of Orthopedics Surgery, Paraplegia and Rehabilitation, Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma University of Health Sciences, Rohtak, India
Bhawna Verma Assistant Professor, College of Physiotherapy, Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma University of Health Sciences, Rohtak, India
Svareen Kaur Ex Intern, Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College, New Delhi, India

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jost.v12i2.21514

Keywords: Caregiver Burden; Coping Strategies; Spinal Cord Injuries

Abstract

Background: A substantial number of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) need support and care for their daily activities, and this is usually provided by a family member. This responsibility may have several physical and emotional consequences. The aim of the present study was to assess the caregiver burden and the coping strategies used by caregivers of patients with SCI.

Methods: A cross-sectional study on 50 primary caregivers of persons with SCI was conducted. The caregiver burden was assessed using Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI) and Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) was used to assess the coping strategies used by the caregivers.

Results: The majority of caregivers (82%) were under 50 years of age and were women (66%). 12% of participants faced severe burden and 32% faced moderate to severe burden. Coping strategies involved avoidant, problem-focused, and emotion-focused strategies. Avoidant strategies were associated with moderate to severe burden. Active coping strategies were significantly associated with little or no burden. Greater use of positive coping strategies was related with less amount of caregiver burden. The caregivers with highest burden were found to engage in self-distraction, denial, and behavioral disengagement. The utilization of problem-focused coping strategies, emotional support, and religious practices was most prevalent in caregivers where there was minimal or no burden.

Conclusion: The study highlights that coping style plays a significant role in determining caregiver burden, with avoidant coping strategies being associated with higher burden, while active and positive coping strategies were associated with reduced burden. These findings emphasize the importance of promoting adaptive coping mechanisms and providing psychosocial support interventions to reduce caregiver burden and improve caregiver well-being.