Predictors of Caregiver Burden in Family Caregivers of Male Patients with Opioid Use Disorders.

Abstract

We aimed to determine the factors that correlate and best predict caregiver burden in family caregivers of male patients with opioid use disorders, specifically with heroin use. A total of 100 patients with opioid use disorders and their primary caregivers (n = 100) were included in the study. Both patients and caregivers completed sociodemographic data collection forms. The Addiction Severity Index was applied to the patients, and the Burden Assessment Scale, COPE Inventory, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale were applied to the caregivers. Patients and their caregivers were divided into groups according to sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and then the caregiver burden scores were compared. In addition, factors correlating with caregiver burden were determined. Finally, in considering all these data, the factors that best predict caregiver burden were identified using regression analysis. Factors that increased the burden of caregivers were duration of care, at least 1 instance of inpatient treatment, the presence of verbal and physical violence between patients and other family members, intravenous drug use, and moderate or severe dependence, according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5). Caregivers' active coping scores, based on the COPE Inventory, were found to negatively predict caregiver burden, while the patients' family-social relationship scores, based on the Addiction Severity Index, were found to positively predict caregiver burden. Developing caregivers' coping skills and patients' family-social relationships may thus contribute to reducing the burden of disease related to heroin-addicted patients.