Effect of Support Group Approach on Behavior, Stress, and Coping Factors Among the Family Caregivers of Head Injury Survivors

Abstract

Background: Head injuries may lead to permanent disabilities or death. Long-term complications and health problems of the patients may impact the physical and mental health of the family caregivers. Support group approach helps the caregivers to deal with the circumstances that may arise during the care of their survivors. Objective: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of support group approach on risk of development of health and behavior problems, level of stress, and coping level among the caregivers of the head injury survivors. Materials and Methods: A quasiexperimental study was conducted in Neurosurgery Units, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh. A total of 60 caregivers (30 each in control and experimental groups) were enrolled by total enumeration technique. Data were collected using an interviewing schedule consisting (a) sociodemographic profile of the caregivers, (b) caregiver self-assessment questionnaire, (c) the Kingston caregiver stress scale, and (d) coping scale. The caregivers in the control group received routine care. In the experimental group, they were involved in group discussions during support group meetings. Various methods of dealing with stress, risk for development of health and/or behavior problems, coping strategies were discussed in the support group meetings where the teachings and demonstrations were given to the caregivers. In support group meetings, the caregivers discussed their problems and expressed their ideas and coping strategies to solve their problems. An information booklet on the same was also given to them. The follow-up was carried out at 15 days and 1.5 months of the enrollment of the patients. Results: The risk of development of health and behavior problems decreased in both the experimental and control groups. Median values of caregiver’s stress score was significantly less in the experimental group ( P < .01) as compared to the control group. All the caregivers in the experimental group and only 10.0% in the control group had above average coping to deal with the problems in their day-to-day activities. Conclusion: “Support group approach” for the caregivers of head injury caregivers was found to be effective in terms of decreasing the risk of development of health and behavior problems, improving coping, and reducing stress among the caregivers. Therefore, support group approach can be encouraged in order to enhance the knowledge and confidence of the caregivers to deal with the problems of the patients.