Prevalence of Depression and its Associated Factors among Caregivers of Patients with Schizophrenia
Pongsakorn Rungwittayanuwat MSc1, Sucheera Phattharayuttawat PhD1, Suwit Charoensak MD1
Affiliation : 1 Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Objective : To examine the prevalence of, and the factors that are associated with, depression among primary caregivers of
schizophrenic patients.
Materials and Methods : This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Psychiatric Outpatient Department [OPD], Siriraj
Hospital, and collected data from one caregiver per patient. A total of 88 caregivers were enrolled. The instruments comprised
of a questionnaire for caregivers, and a structured interview that assessed the diagnostic criteria of depression, which was
based on the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview [MINI]-Thai version.
Results : In the present study, the prevalence of depression among caregivers of schizophrenic patients was 11.4% (95% CI
6.3 to 19.7), comprised of major depressive episodes (4.5%) and dysthymia (6.8%). Insufficient monthly income (OR 5.11,
95% CI 1.20 to 21.64) and a medical problem of the caregiver (OR 16.07, 95% CI 1.93 to 133.51) were found to be
statistically-significant results associated with caregivers’ depression.
Conclusion : The caregivers of schizophrenic patients should be given empathy and be alerted to the risk of becoming
depressed, especially in the cases of those caregivers who have a medical problem and an insufficient monthly income.
Keywords : Prevalence, Depression, Caregivers of schizophrenic patient
