Psychological Health of Wives’ of Patients with Chronic Illnesses

Abstract

Objectives: Chronic illnesses are more prevalent in males. The expectations of caregiving, thus falls on the women. Role expectations from women, increases stress, strain and the possibility of Psychological health concerns. In this paper, we explore the psychological health, as well as the levels of marital and sexual satisfaction of women caregivers.Method: The sample consisted of 35 women, whose husbands were diagnosed with, and undergoing treatment for a chronic illness (Coronary Heart Disease (CHD); Diabetes; or Cancer). Three standardized questionnaires, the Index of Marital Satisfaction (IMS), Index of Sexual Satisfaction (ISS) and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21 (DASS 21) were used.Results: Correlational and predictive analysis were conducted on the data. Clinically significant marital and sexual dissatisfaction were found. Wives’ also reported moderate levels of depression and anxiety, but severe levels of stress. Depression and Sexual satisfaction were found to be significant predictors of marital satisfaction.Discussion: Women caregiver are impacted by the illness status of their spouse. The additional stress of caregiving, along with societally ascribed roles and responsibilities on women creates a more difficult, stressful environment, which affects psychological health and well-being.