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Published in: Indian Journal of Pediatrics 11/2015

01-11-2015 | Original Article

Social, Psychological and Financial Burden on Caregivers of Children with Chronic Illness: A Cross-sectional Study

Authors: Ankush K. Khanna, Anusha Prabhakaran, Priyanka Patel, Jaishree D. Ganjiwale, Somashekhar M. Nimbalkar

Published in: Indian Journal of Pediatrics | Issue 11/2015

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Abstract

Objectives

To explore social, psychological and financial burden on caregivers of chronically diseased children.

Methods

Participants were recruited from ambulatory and hospital areas in pediatrics department following informed consent. Parents who were caregivers of children 18y or below in age with chronic illness were included. Socio-demographic details were collected using a semi structured questionnaire, adapted from Family Burden Interview Schedule (FBIS). The psychological well-being of caregivers was assessed using Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7). Descriptive analysis and ANOVA was done for comparing mean scores of responses to analyze financial, psychological and social burden across different diagnosis.

Results

A total of 204 (89 females:115 males) participated. Only 27% were receiving some benefits from government or hospital side. No depressive symptoms were reported by 25% caregivers, while 37% reported mild and 38% moderate to severe depressive symptoms. No anxiety symptoms were reported by 33%, while 50% reported mild and 17% moderate to severe anxiety symptoms. No association was seen between gender of the caregiver and depressive or anxiety symptoms. Significantly higher financial and social burden was seen in cerebral palsy and cancer groups vis-a-vis other diseases, being least in thalassemia. Disruption of routine life was highest in cancer group caregivers followed by those in cerebral palsy group.

Conclusions

Most caregivers reported moderate depressive symptoms and mild to moderate anxiety symptoms. Cerebral palsy caused more social and financial burden on family vis-a-vis thalassemia. Social and financial burden on families of remaining diseases was comparable.
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Metadata
Title
Social, Psychological and Financial Burden on Caregivers of Children with Chronic Illness: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors
Ankush K. Khanna
Anusha Prabhakaran
Priyanka Patel
Jaishree D. Ganjiwale
Somashekhar M. Nimbalkar
Publication date
01-11-2015
Publisher
Springer India
Published in
Indian Journal of Pediatrics / Issue 11/2015
Print ISSN: 0019-5456
Electronic ISSN: 0973-7693
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-015-1762-y

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