Factors associated with depression, anxiety, and satisfaction with life among Malaysian parental caregivers of adolescent psychiatric patients: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Depression and anxiety are prevalent mental health issues worldwide, especially among parental caregivers. By expanding the family stress model, this cross-sectional study investigated the relevant factors associated with depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and satisfaction with life among Malaysian parental caregivers of adolescent psychiatric patients. Data were collected through questionnaires (N = 207) across five major public hospitals through convenience sampling. Participants answered questionnaires measuring financial strain, caregiver burden, relationship quality, belief in mental illness, perceived COVID-19 stress, satisfaction with health services, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms and life satisfaction. Findings revealed that relationship quality among spouses, COVID-19 stress and caregiver burden were significantly correlated with anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms and satisfaction with life. The multiple regression model also suggested that depressive symptoms (β = .613, p < .001), anxiety symptoms (β= .657, p < .001) and relationship quality among spouses (β = .264, p < .001) were the most influential predictors of anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms and satisfaction with life respectively. By addressing the mental health needs of parental caregivers, this study can contribute to improving the overall quality of care and support provided to adolescent patients and their caregivers in Malaysia and beyond. Impact statementRecognising the mental health challenges faced by parental caregivers in Malaysia can inform global efforts to develop and enhance caregiver support programs. By providing targeted interventions, resources, and services to address caregiver depression, anxiety, and low life satisfaction, countries worldwide can promote caregiver well-being and resilience. This can have a positive ripple effect on the mental health of caregivers in diverse cultural and healthcare contexts. The findings on the level of mental health among Malaysian parental caregivers of adolescent psychiatric patients can inform the development and implementation of global mental health policies. By recognising the impact of caregiver mental health on patient outcomes and overall family dynamics, policymakers can prioritise mental health support for caregivers within healthcare systems. This can influence policy changes, resource allocation, and the integration of caregiver mental health in mental healthcare frameworks worldwide.