Publication:

Prevalence of depression and associated factors in long-term caregivers in the primary care network of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya hospital

Background Caregivers of Long-term care patients play a crucial role in caring for patients in various aspects. Prolonged caregiving can increase the burden of care and the risk of depression. The study was conducted to study the prevalence and associated factors of depression among caregivers of long-term patients within The NPCU of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Hospital, Thailand

Methods A cross-sectional study conducted to examine the prevalence and associated factors of depression among 130 caregivers of long-term care patients between February to August 2024, A total of 96 volunteers were selected based on their consent to participate in this study. Data was collected through questionnaire that included Caregiver’s general information, Caregiving details and characteristics of long-term care patients. Multiple logistic regression, odds ratio, 95%CI and chi-square test were used to examine which factors are associated to depression.

Results The study found that the prevalence of depression among caregivers, based on a Thai PHQ-9 screening tool with a score of 7 or higher, was 23.96% of the caregiver population studied. Factor associated with depression included: a history of previous mental health in the caregiver (Adjusted OR 14.69, 95%CI 1.96-110.04, p<0.01), experiencing a moderate to severe caregiving burden (Adjusted OR 6.24, 95%CI 1.96-19.85, p<0.01), providing care for more than 8 hours per day (Adjusted OR 6.30, 95%CI 1.88-21.13, p<0.01), and the patient's basic ADL (activities of daily living) score of 4 or lower (Adjusted OR 6.42, 95%CI 2.16-19.10, p<0.01).

Conclusion The screen depression among caregivers early in the caregiving process, and encourage cooperation between primary and secondary caregivers in caregiving activities. Additionally, promoting patient rehabilitation could help reduce long-term caregiving activities.