Table 4 Comparison of caregiver subgroups against presence of depression, less than average satisfaction with life and caregiver strain index (CSI) scores

Chi square value (df – 1)

Mean difference

95% confidence interval

Male vs. female

0.48

0.55

−0.92

−3.51 to 1.67

Level of education (Primary or no education vs. others)

0.94

7.81*

1.14

−2.47 to 4.75

Presence of a chronic medical problems

0.97

0.16

−1.62

−4.18 to 0.95

Smokers vs. non smokers

0.11

0.83

1.23

−2.37 to 4.84

Alcohol users vs. non users

0.17

0.51

−1.58

−4.66 to 1.49

Patient’s illness (schizophrenia vs. bipolar affective disorder)

5.0

6.36

1.37

−2.59 to 5.33

Duration of caregiver role (above sample average vs. below sample average)

0.18

0.08

0.841

−1.84 to 3.52

Symptoms of patient (active vs. remission)

2.37

0.27

2.44

−1.83 to 6.73

Relationship to patient (family member vs. other)

0.3

1.5

−0.98

−4.47 to 2.52

Time spent with patient per week (above sample average vs. below sample average )

9.37**

7.33**

4.6***

6.97 to 2.24

Being in debt

2.43

4.92*

5.8***

3.05 to 8.54

Employed vs. unemployed

0.01

0.13

0.24

−2.4 to 2.88

Having other dependents

0.01

0.25

−0.14

−2.73 to 2.44

Interruption to work

6.82*

1.37

4.25**

1.24 to 7.26

Subject to assault by patient

10.37**

3.65

4.56***

2.1 to 7.02

Having disputes with spouse

4.06

2.01

1.26

−1.54 to 4.07

Having disputes with children

5.67*

1.42

2.42

−0.25 to 5.1

Having disputes with other relations

7.52*

4.67*

3.61**

0.88 to 6.35

Having disputes with neighbours

1.13

0.08

1.32

−4.71 to 2.06

Self admission of needing professional help

21.13***

12.47***

5.11***

2.78 to 7.45