The Perceived Caregiver Burden Scale for Caregivers of Elderly People in India

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyze the 31-item Perceived Caregiver Burden scale (PCB-31) formulated by Stommel, Given, and Given (1990). A multistage probability sample was used to derive a sample of 259 caregivers of the elderly in Allahabad City, India. Prior to the study, Indian experts in aging reviewed the perceived burden scale and recommended a more concise 17-item scale with four subscales. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to determine the factor structure, and results failed to support all the items; however, it did suggest a 12-item, three-factor model. This 12-item scale, which includes impacts on financial burden, abandonment by extended family, and sense of entrapment, fit the data well. The PCB-12 also had concurrent validity as it correlated with the revised Center for Epidemiological Study—Depression scale, role conflict, role overload, and age of the caregiver. Researchers and practitioners can use this scale for estimating burden.