SELECTED FACTORS RELATED TO DEPRESSION IN CAREGIVERS OF PERSONS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA

Abstract

               Objective: To investigate the relationships between burden, social support, resilience and depression in caregivers of persons with schizophrenia.

               Methods: This study was a descriptive correlational research. The participants were 135 caregivers of persons with schizophrenia who received treatment at the outpatient department in a psychiatric hospital in Bangkok. They were selected by purposive sampling. The instruments for data collection included demographic questionnaire, Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D), Zarit Burden Interview, Social Support Scale and Resilience Inventory. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient.

               Results: The results showed that 32.6 percent of participants had depression (n = 44). Burden was positively and significantly associated with depression (r = .511, p = .000). Social support and resilience were negatively and significantly associated with depression (r = -.264, p = .002; r = -.363, p = .000 respectively).

               Conclusion: The results of this study provide significant information to develop the plan for reducing or protecting depression among caregivers of schizophrenic patients.