Prevalence of depression and its associated factors among primary caregivers of patients with severe mental illness in southwest, Ethiopia

Abstract

BackgroundDepression is a serious mental illness that affects patients’ treatment outcome and caregiver’s day to day life. The prevalence of depression among caregivers of patients with severe mental illness is greater than the general population. Little is known about depression among primary caregivers of patients with severe mental illness in Ethiopia. This study is aimed at assessing prevalence of depression and associated factors among primary caregivers of patients with mental illness.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among primary caregivers of patients with severe mental illness in Jimma University Teaching Hospital. Patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to assess depression. A multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS) was used to assess perceived social support; Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye opener (CAGE) scale was used to assess alcohol use disorder. After conducting descriptive analyses, logistic regression analysis was finally used for bivariate and multivariable analysis.ResultThe overall prevalence of depression among primary caregivers of patients with mental illness was 12 (19%). Out of those caregivers with depressions, 11.3, 3.5 and 4.2% had moderate, moderately severe and severe types of depression respectively. The prevalence of depression among female primary caregivers was 25% (n = 40). Being single (aOR 2.62, 95% CI = 1.07, 6.41), giving care more than six hours per day (aOR 3.75, 95% CI = 1.51, 9.33) and caring for a patient who had more than once episodes of suicidal attempts (aOR 1.48, 95% CI = 1.07, 3.42) were positively associated with depression among caregivers of patients with mental illness.ConclusionWe found that the prevalence of depression among primary caregivers was high. Depression among caregivers was associated with giving care more than six hours per day and caring for a patient who had two or more episodes of suicidal attempts. The prevalence of depression among female caregivers was higher than that of the male caregivers. Therefore, special focus should be given to primary caregivers spending long hours for providing care, those with low perceived social support; caregivers of patients with suicidal ideation and female caregivers.

Quality of life and its association with psychiatric symptoms and socio-demographic characteristics among people with schizophrenia: A hospital-based cross-sectional study

“…The study was conducted from April 15-June 15, 2018, at Jimma University Medical Center (JUMC) which is one of the oldest governmental hospitals, established in 1937 during the Italian occupation for the service of their soldiers. The psychiatric clinic of JUMC was established in 1988 and gives clinical service for about 15 million population with a total of 40 beds for inpatient service and seven Out Patient Department (OPD) in Southwest Ethiopia [18]. Currently, there are more than 1000 patients with schizophrenia who are attending follow up service at OPD monthly and on average, about 50 patients are visiting psychiatric clinics daily.…”

Quality of life and its association with current substance use, medication non-adherence and clinical factors of people with schizophrenia in Southwest Ethiopia: a hospital-based cross-sectional study

“…We conducted this study from April 15-June 15, 2018, among people with schizophrenia and attending, follow up service at Jimma University Medical Center (JUMC), psychiatry clinic, Southwest Ethiopia. Jimma University Medical Center is one of the oldest governmental hospitals, established in 1937 during the Italian occupation for the service of their soldiers [23]. The psychiatric clinic of JUMC was established in 1988 and gives clinical service for about 15 million population with a total of 40 beds for in-patient service and seven rooms for Out Patient Department (OPD) in Southwest Ethiopia during the study time [23].…”

“…Jimma University Medical Center is one of the oldest governmental hospitals, established in 1937 during the Italian occupation for the service of their soldiers [23]. The psychiatric clinic of JUMC was established in 1988 and gives clinical service for about 15 million population with a total of 40 beds for in-patient service and seven rooms for Out Patient Department (OPD) in Southwest Ethiopia during the study time [23]. Currently, there are more than 1000 people with schizophrenia who are attending follow up treatments at OPD monthly and on average, about 50 individuals with different mental illnesses are visiting psychiatric clinics daily.…”

Screening for Depression and Analysis of Its Associated Psychosocio Demographic Factors Among Elderly Caregivers of Persons With Mental Illness

“…In most studies, female caregivers were shown to have higher burden 2,19 of caregiving and increased risk of depression. In contradiction, this study showed that male caregivers screened positive for depression.…”