Clinical and sociodemographic determinants influencing caregiver burden in methamphetamine use disorder

The increasing prevalence of methamphetamine use poses substantial public health challenges for both individuals and their families. This study aims to examine how sociodemographic and clinical factors of patients with methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) relate to their caregivers' perceived burden. A total of 240 participants-120 patients (mean age 35.39 years, SD 8.26) and 120 caregivers (mean age 49.27 years, SD 13.02)-were recruited via convenience sampling from an addiction clinic of a tertiary hospital in the Klang Valley. Caregiver burden was assessed using the Zarit Burden Interview, and 84.2% of caregivers reported levels ranging from mild to severe. Bivariate analysis found that, higher burden scores were significantly associated with patient's age, ethnicity, religion, employment status, monthly income, and polysubstance use, as well as caregiver's race and religion. Logistic regression analysis revealed that each additional year of patient age (odds ratio 1.11, p = 0.019), single patient status (OR 6.83, p = 0.013), and exclusive methamphetamine use (OR 4.59, p = 0.027) each increased the likelihood of caregivers perceiving burden. These findings identify key factors that could inform screening protocols designed to detect at-risk patient-caregiver dyads and to guide targeted interventions supporting both parties on their path to recovery.