Aim:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of Depression among family caregivers of patients diagnosed with cancer and are on active treatment
Materials and methods:
We enrolled 324 caregivers of patients who were under treatment in Meenakshi Mission hospital and research centre, Madurai, with either radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy during the period from Dec-2011 to Apr-2012. We recorded demographic data for both patients and caregivers. Beck's depression Inventory was applied for assessing the depression in family caregivers. The data collected was recorded, tabulated and analysed.
Results:
Majority of caregivers were males (n= 192,59.3%). Fifty two(16%) out of 324 caregivers were illiterate, 128(39.5%) were educated up to middle school,68(21%) completed Masters and the rest completed only secondary education.
Majority(n=188,58%) had a depression score of >13. Of 324 caregivers , 56(17.3%) had borderline depression (BDI score 17-20).Sixty four(19.8%) caregivers were clinically depressed.(BDI of 21 and above).Two hundred and thirty two families were having financial issues for getting treatment. Out of these, 92 caregivers (39.7%) had features of more than borderline depression ( BDI > 17).
Conclusion:
Depression was highly prevalent among family caregivers of cancer patients. Financial constraints were the major predictors of depression in these subjects. Insurance cover , if existing would have reduced the financial burden and in turn will reduce the psychological distress in these families.