Document Type : Research Articles
Authors
1
Department of Nursing, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Ruhuna, Galle, Sri Lanka.
2
Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.
3
Non-Communicable Disease Research Centre, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.
4
Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.
Abstract
Objective: Cancer is a challenging health problem, and has a significant impact on informal caregivers (ICs) on their day-to-day responsibilities. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms (DSs) and its associated factors among ICs of patients with advanced cancer who received palliative care at the Apeksha Hospital Maharagama (AHM), Sri Lanka. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 226 conveniently selected ICs at the AHM, Sri Lanka. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and a validated 20-item Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale. Ethical and institutional approval was obtained. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics, Chi-square, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation, and independent t-tests. Result: The mean age (±SD) of the ICs was 41.78(±14.54) years. Most of the ICs were females (60%), married (72%), and educated up to secondary level (83%). Prevalence of DSs (≥16) was 49%. Significantly higher DSs were reported by females vs. males (20.52±9.65 vs. 14.74±3.75) and currently unemployed vs. employed ICs (19.69±9.14 vs. 16.58±7.02). DSs were significantly associated with caregiver relationship with the patient (p<0.01), caregiving hours/week (p<0.01), caregiving period (p<0.05), emotional strain (p<0.01), financial strain (p<0.01), and self-reported general health (p<0.01). There was a negative relationship between DSs, perceived social support (r= -0.245; p<0.01), and family/friends support (r= -0.183; p<0.01) of ICs. Further, female gender (p<0.01) and cancer type (p<0.05) of patients were significantly influenced by the DSs of ICs. Conclusion: Almost half of ICs had higher DSs. Some variables related to caregivers, caregiving, and patients are significantly impacted by DSs. Providing psycho-social support for ICs is crucial and recommended educational intervention to provide knowledge and practice on caregiving to reduce depressive symptoms.
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