Abstract / Summary
Background: Informal caregiving forms the cornerstone of chronic disease management in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like India, yet these family structures lack systematic institutional support, precipitating severe psychological distress. Aims and Objectives: The present study aimed (i) to assess caregiver burden by evaluating the severity of depression, perceived stress, and anxiety among caregivers in Western India and (ii) to identify and analyze the multivariate socio-demographic determinants influencing caregiver burden. Materials and Methods: A multi-center, cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 primary informal caregivers across Udaipur and adjoining districts of Rajasthan. Standardized psychometric tools were employed: Perceived Stress Scale 10 (PSS-10), Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A). Data were analyzed using t-tests, multivariate analysis of variance, Pearson correlations, and stepwise regression to identify predictors of psychological distress. Results: Caregivers (mean age 36.7 years; 68% male) reported moderate stress (mean PSS-10: 20.88), mild depression (mean MADRS: 15.22), and mild anxiety (mean HAM-A: 14.36). Depression and anxiety were strongly correlated (r=0.71, P<0.001). Low income (<₹15,000) and limited education significantly predicted higher depression and anxiety scores (P<0.005, P<0.01), while female caregivers showed a marginal trend toward elevated anxiety. Regression analysis confirmed low income, female gender, and lower education as independent predictors of anxiety burden, explaining 31.4% of the variance. Conclusion: Informal caregivers in Western India experience a multidimensional psychological burden shaped by socioeconomic disadvantage and gender. Routine caregiver screening, community-based counseling networks, and targeted economic protective measures, including financial assistance for medication and mobility support, are urgently needed to mitigate distress. These measures will also help strengthen caregiver resilience.