Depression in family caregivers of cancer patients: the feeling of burden as a predictor of depression

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence of and to identify the predictors of depression in family caregivers of cancer patients.

Patients and methods: We enrolled 310 caregivers of cancer patients from the National Cancer Center, Korea, on this study and obtained demographic information for both patients and caregivers. To assess caregiver depression and its predictors, we used the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer, and the Family Impact Questionnaire. We used logistic regression analysis to identify independent predictors of caregiver depression.

Results: The majority (67%) of caregivers had high depression scores (BDI > 13), and 35% had very high depression scores (BDI > 21). In a multiple logistic regression model, caregivers who were women, the spouse of the patient, in poor health, feeling burdened, adapting poorly, unable to function normally, or caring for a patient with poor Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status were more likely to experience depression (P < .01 for all values).

Conclusion: Depression was highly prevalent among cancer patient family caregivers, and care burden was its best predictor. Interventions aimed at reducing the psychiatric effects of cancer should focus not only on the patient but also on the caregiver.