Gender Differences in Caregiver Burden, Social Support, and Coping Strategies Among Caregivers of Patients With Epilepsy in a Tribal Region of India: A Cross-Sectional Study

This study examined whether caregivers of male or female patients with epilepsy differ in perceived burden, social support, and coping mechanisms. In a cross-sectional design conducted at a tertiary neuropsychiatric hospital, 60 caregivers (30 per group) completed the Family Burden Interview Schedule (FBIS), the Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ), and the Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WCQ). Caregivers of female patients reported greater financial strain and more pronounced impacts on mental and physical health, yet they also perceived higher levels of social support. In contrast, caregivers of male patients employed more active coping strategies, such as confronting and self-controlling coping, but reported lower perceived support. Among caregivers of male patients, higher levels of social support were associated with lower perceived burdens; this relationship was not observed among caregivers of female patients. The findings underscore the importance of gender-sensitive approaches in reducing caregiver burden and enhancing care outcomes in epilepsy management.