The perceived caregiver burden scale for caregivers of elderly people in India

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.