Bipolar disorder and self-perceived interpersonal relationships in the family: A household cross-sectional study among married adults in Rajshahi city, Bangladesh

ABSTRACT Background Bipolar disorder (BPD) disrupts both personal and family life. In Bangladesh, studies on BPD and family issues are scanty. Therefore, we examined the impact of BPD on family relationships among married adults in Rajshahi City, Bangladesh. Methods 708 married adults were recruited in this study, and they were selected using multistage random sampling and interviewed them with a self-developed questionnaire. The Bipolar Spectrum Disorder Scale was used for screening BPD. Interpersonal relationships and overall family relationship were measured based on the participants’ responses to four statements. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression model were used in this study. Results This study revealed that 3.2% and 4.8% married adults had poor relationships with their spouses and family members respectively. 5.8% adults perceived they were given poor importance in decision making about family matters, and 15.8% thought the family provided poor healthcare services in their sickness. 19.9% respondents chose a poor category of overall family relationship. Wives had higher rates of poor category of interpersonal relationship factors compared to males. BPD was found as a predictor of interpersonal relationship factors among married adults: relationship with spouse (p Limitation Self-reported statements of respondents might be biased. Conclusions This study laid down the foundation stone for further research on BPD and family issues in Bangladesh. Counseling programs should be taken for enabling the family members to cope with the effects of BPD.