Psychological distress, social support and depression among caregivers of substance abusers in rehabilitation centers in Kampala Metropolitan District

Abstract

Substance abuse greatly affects the individuals, but the repercussions extend beyond the user and have a significant impact on the caregiver's mental health (Groenewald & Bhana, 2018; Smith & Estefan, 2014). However, treatment and social support are prioritized for the substance users, leaving the caregivers ignored and unsupported. The lack of social support consequently causes psychological distress and depression to the care givers making it hard for them to provide care to the substance abusers. The aim of the study was to establish the relationship between psychological distress, social support and depression among caregivers of substance abusers in rehabilitation centers in Kampala Metropolitan district. A correlational research design was employed. 138 caregivers were purposively sampled from across various rehabilitation centers in Kampala metropolitan district and were interviewed. Multidimensional Scale for Perceived Social Support, Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20, and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were used. Data was analyzed using SPSS. There is was a significant relationship between psychological distress and depression, X2 (1, N = 137) = 42.50, p=p <.01. There was also a significant relationship between social support and psychological distress, X2 (2, N = 137) = 6.59, p= p <.05 and there was also a significant relationship between social support and depression, X2 (2, N = 137) = 12.40, p < .01. However, social support did not mediate the relationship between psychological distress and depression. Social support reduces the chances of getting psychological distress and depression among care givers of people struggling with substance use. There is therefore need for development and implementation of interventions for provision of supportive therapies to these caregivers to mitigate symptoms of psychological distress and depression.