Family functioning and depression in primary caregivers of stroke patients in China

Abstract

Objective: To determine the relationship between family functioning and depression in primary caregivers of stroke survivors in China. Design: Baseline cross-sectional data from an intervention study for stroke survivors and their families were used. Setting: Neurology inpatient service of a large urban hospital. Participants: Stroke survivors (n = 180), each with a primary caregiver, were enrolled in this study. The mean age of stroke survivors was 65.60 years, and the mean age of primary caregivers was 57.60 years. Interventions: Not applicable. Methods: The Family Assessment Device (FAD) and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), respectively, were used. Results: Following a stroke of a family member, 71% of caregivers experienced depressive symptoms. Higher depression severity in caregivers was linked to caregiver education, stroke survivor ADLs, and family functioning. Conclusion: Assessment of family functioning may help determine which caregivers are most at risk for developing depressive syndrome.

Keywords

• Stroke
• Caregiver
• Family relations
• Depression