Psychological Burdens Experienced by Wives of Disabled People; A Focus on Disability-Related Factors

Aims: Spouses of individuals with disabilities often face unique psychological burdens due to the challenges associated with caregiving and emotional support. This study aimed to explore the psychological burdens experienced by wives of individuals with disabilities, focusing on the disability-related factors that contribute to these challenges. Instrument Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Babylon Rehabilitation Center for Disability from April to June 2024. The study sample consisted of 250 wives of individuals with disabilities. Data were collected through interviews and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical approaches. Findings: A significant majority (81.6%) of the wives of individuals with disabilities suffered from considerable psychological burdens and the psychological burdens of wives increased by 29.287 times with every decrease in monthly income. Likewise, the results indicated a 27.83-fold increase in burdens for those with severe disabilities, while there was a 2.340-fold increase associated with longer periods of disability. There was a statistically significant difference in psychological burdens based on the reasons for spouses’ disabilities (p=0.001) and the location of the disability (p=0.001). Conclusions: The majority of wives people with disability suffer from significant psychological burdens and low monthly income, the severity of the disability, and the duration of the disability greatly exacerbate these burdens.