A Path Analysis Model Examining Factors Affecting Burden of Care for Drug Addicts among their Family Caregivers in Egypt

Although the caregiving burden for drug addicts among their family members is receiving increased attention, there is still a need to study the possible predictors of burden to develop intervention strategies and support addicts and caregivers, especially with the increasing number of addicts worldwide.Study design: A cross-sectional study.

The study was conducted among 150 pairs of addicts and their family caregivers at Minia Hospital for Mental Health and Addiction Treatment. Path analysis was used to build interrelationships between the caregiver burden and addict and caregiver attributes. The caregiver burden was assessed using the Family Burden Interview Scale (FBIS). While, the addict patients completed the Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS), Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST–20), Perceived Devaluation Discrimination scale (PDD), and Social Support Questionnaire short form (SSQ6).

The caregivers reported a severe burden of care which was predicted by the addict’s drug-related problems (B= 0.25), financial hardship (B= 0.46), and the caregiver’s occupation (B= -0.16). Financial hardship had an indirect association with the burden of care (B= 0.06, P= 0.041) mediated through drug-related problems score which was predicted by severity of dependence, admission for treatment, and level of social support.

Caregiving for addicts is stressful and depends on patient-related problems and caregiver situations and income. Strategies to provide social support, financial aid, and problem-solving skills should be provided to the addicts and their family caregivers as a part of the treatment programs to help to reduce the burden of care and improve their conditions.