Caregiver burden and depression among caregivers of patients with chronic disease

• Published in: Jurnal Ners
• Main Author: Mohamad N.; Mulud Z.A.; Tutienande N.A.; Sazaly N.N.; Ibrahim N.H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga 2024
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85195997355&doi=10.20473%2fjn.v19i2.51301&partnerID=40&md5=e5afc555154247eaeb2d71940476b1e2

Introduction: Caring for people with chronic diseases is physically and emotionally demanding. It can also have adverse effects on the caregiver, such as depression. Caregiver burden describes the psychological and financial strains of providing care. Depression in caregivers manifests as concern, indecision, and an inability to feel the future. Chronic disease is a condition that takes a long time to treat and may progressively worsen over time. This study aimed to identify the level of caregiver burden and depression and the correlation between burden and depression among caregivers of patients with chronic diseases. Methods: A cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire containing the Caregiver Burden Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory was used to measure caregiver burden and depression. The study involved 217 caregivers of patients with chronic diseases who were selected through a purposive sampling in a teaching hospital in Selangor, Malaysia. Results: The findings showed that the majority of caregivers experienced a mild burden (n = 168, 77.4%), a moderate burden (n = 43, 19.8%), and severe burden (n = 6, 2.8%). Following mild depression (n = 17, 7.8%), moderate depression (n = 15, 6.9%), and severe depression (n = 4, 1.8%), some caregivers experienced minimal depression (n = 181, 83.4%). According to Pearson's analysis, the correlation between caregiver burden and depression was statistically significant (p<0.000) and with a positive correlation (r = 0.408). Conclusions: In this study, caregivers experienced burdens and depression due to providing care. Future studies should incorporate support and resources for caregivers, including respite care and counseling that can promote overall well-being. © 2024 Jurnal Ners.