Knowledge of Mental Illness among Caregivers of Alcoholic’s

In India, the estimated numbers of alcohol users were 62.5 million, with 17.4% of them (10.6 million) being dependant users and 20?30% of hospital admissions are due to alcohol-related problems. Aim- To assess the knowledge of mental illness among caregivers of alcoholics and to determine the association of care givers with knowledge of mental illness. Methodology - quantitative pre experimental descriptive study was conducted with 120 caregivers of alcoholic patient. Convenient sampling technique was used. Findings -Demographic variable revealed that majority 33.3% of them were between the age group of 18-27 years. 50% were male and 50% were female, 40.8% of them have secondary education. Majority 81.7% were Hindu, 69.2% were married. 80% were belonged to joint family. Most of the care givers 49.2% were house hold. The level of knowledge among care givers of alcoholics 13.3% of the subject had good knowledge, 68.3% had average knowledge. There was significant association between the marital status and knowledge of mental illness .Conclusion: knowledge of mental illness among caregivers of alcoholic patients was average and there is need to improve the knowledge of caregivers. Also need to formulate and implement the programme on awareness of mental illness.