Sex differences in prevalence and factors associated with caregiver strain among caregivers of people with disability in Kerala; results from a cross-sectional survey

INTRODUCTION: Family caregiving for those with a disability is the context in which the majority of care for those with a disability is undertaken. Despite the fact that several studies document the strain of such caregiving and its correlates, there is a paucity of literature on the needs and experiences of male caregivers in India. METHODS: The current study provides a subgroup analysis of a cross-sectional survey conducted among 851 caregivers in Kerala, India, aimed to understand the sex differences in caregiver strain. RESULTS: The study included 193 (22.7%) males and 658 (77.3%) females. Mean scores of caregiver strain were slightly lower among male caregivers compared to female caregivers. Analysis of the covariates for strain suggests that financial security and a sense of social connectedness were important in modulating the care strain in males. Significant needs identified among male caregivers were accessing paid jobs, while for females, it was accessing government services like assistive devices and disability-specific organizations. CONCLUSION: Unique needs of male caregivers can be addressed by mobilizing personal and social resources, particularly in the emotional, financial, and social domains, to facilitate ease of access to information and services, practical support, and skills training.