Characteristics and Prevalence of Depression Symptoms in Caregivers of Patients Undergoing Palliative Care
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Date
2020-03-02Author
Adol, E. A.
Obondo, A. A.
Kigamwa, P.
Type
ArticleLanguage
en_USMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Family role in taking care of patients undergoing palliative care leads to
complex, multidimensional responsibility which may have consequences to the
mental health of primary caregivers. Studies have shown that 40 to 70 per cent
of caregivers experience symptoms of depression. The general objective of this
study was to determine the characteristics and prevalence of depressive
symptoms among caregivers of patients in palliative care. The population
comprised of caregivers of patients undergoing palliative care at the Kenyatta
National Hospital. A cross-sectional study was used where questionnaires were
administered using Beck‘s Depression Inventory and a researcher designed
socio-demographic characteristics questionnaire for the caregivers. The results
showed that 62.7% of the caregivers presented with symptoms of depression.
This is four times higher as compared to the general population. The severity of
the depressive symptoms ranged from mild to severe with the majority
experiencing symptoms of severe depression. Spousal caregivers had the highest
prevalence of depressive symptoms followed by those who were taking care of
their children. The recommendations include having healthcare providers do
routine screening for depression in family caregivers and not just on patients
alone.
URI
https://journals.eanso.org/index.php/eajhs/article/view/120http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/155040
Citation
Adol, E. A., Obondo, A. A., & Kigamwa, P. (2020). Characteristics and Prevalence of Depression Symptoms in Caregivers of Patients Undergoing Palliative Care. East African Journal of Health and Science, 2(1), 1-8.Publisher
East African Nature and Science
Collections
- Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) [10378]