Prevalence of depression in caregivers of dementia patients at Dementia Clinic, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital

Abstract

Background: Significant evidences show that prevalence of depression in caregivers of dementia patients are about 15 percent. Caregivers’ factors related to depression are education, income, adequacy of income and the quality of sleep. However, the prevalence of depression in caregivers of dementia patients at the Dementia Clinic, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital has not been studied.

Objectives: To examine prevalence of depression, burden and associated factors of depression in caregivers of dementia patients at the Dementia Clinic, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital.

Methods: Data were collected from 82 in caregivers of dementia patients at the Dementia Clinic, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. Self-report included:

1) Demographic data

2) Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II);

3) Zarit Burden Interview;

4) The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Univariate analysis (e.g. Chi-Square) was used to examine associated factors with depression in caregivers of dementia patients.

Results: The result were revealed that 13.9 percent of the caregivers had depression. Univariate analysis revealed 6 significantly associated factors, i.e., level of education, adequacy of income, health problems, burden of caregivers of patients with dementia, the quality of sleep and income.

Conclusion: The prevalence of depression in caregivers of dementia patients is comparable with other studies. Knowing the risk factors will help medical personnel to identify high-risk women and provide appropriate assistance.