Quality of Life of the Caregivers of the Person with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Bangladesh.

Abstract

Background: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) represents a serious mental health disorder characterized by obsessions and accompanying compulsions that may severely affect patients and family caregivers alike. Introduction: Providing care for people having or living with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) has substantial psychological, social and economic costs, but little is known about the quality of life (QoL) among caregivers, especially in Bangladesh. Aim: This study aims to find out the quality of life of the caregivers of person with obsessive-compulsive disorder in Bangladesh. Method: A cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted among 72 caregivers from the National Institute of Mental Health & Hospital (NIMH&H) and CRP-Rabia Noor Mental Health Day Centre. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using socio-demographic questionnaires and the WHOQOL-BREF scale. Statistical analysis included Mann Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests to identify significant differences in QoL domains. Results: This study examined the quality of life among 72 caregivers of individuals with OCD focused on the sociodemographic background and four health dimensions. The majority of participants were female (51.4%), between the ages of 38 and 57 (54.2%), urban dwellers (69.4%), and members of nuclear families (77.8%). The majority (86.1%) had no prior understanding of OCD, however, 94.4% acknowledged its influence on daily living. The highest quality of life scores was in physical health (Mean = 66.97), followed by social (63.61), environmental (57.53), and psychological health (55.18). Gender substantially influenced psychological health (p = 0.047), with males reporting better results, whereas urban inhabitants viewed their surroundings more positively (p = 0.003). Age influenced social participation (p = 0.007), and occupation significantly affected both physical (p = 0.013) and psychological health (p = 0.033). These results suggest that key sociodemographic factors shape caregivers’ well-being. Conclusion: The QoL of caregivers of OCD patients in Bangladesh is influenced by socio-demographic factors such as gender, living area, and occupation. Interventions targeting the psychological health of female caregivers, environmental improvements for rural caregivers, and support systems for housewives are essential to enhance caregivers' overall well-being. Keywords: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Caregivers, Quality of Life, WHOQOL