Factors associated with depression in older carers

SM Loi; B Dow; K Moore; K Hill; M Russell; E Cyarto; S Malta; D Ames; N Lautenschlager

Journal article

Factors associated with depression in older carers

SM Loi, B Dow, K Moore, K Hill, M Russell, E Cyarto, S Malta, D Ames, N Lautenschlager

International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry | Published : 2016

DOI: 10.1002/gps.4323

Abstract

Objective Depression is an adverse outcome frequently seen in carers. With the increasing ageing population and reliance on informal carers, this study aims to identify factors associated with depression in carers in the older age group, using factors that have not been previously investigated. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 202 older carers using the Geriatric Depression scale, demographics, personality traits, attitudes to ageing and other carer characteristics. Results Increased hours spent caring and higher levels of neuroticism were all factors associated with depression. The care-recipient diagnosis, other personality traits, attitudes to ageing, leisure-physical ac..

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University of Melbourne Researchers

Samantha Loi Author

Kirsten Moore Author

Melissa Russell Author

Sue Malta Author

Related Projects (1)

A RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL TO IMPROVE DEPRESSION IN FAMILY CARERS THROUGH A PHYSICAL ACTIVITY INTERVENTION

This RCT of a physical activity intervention for carers and care recipients aims to determine whether physical activity (designed for carer ..

Grants

Awarded by National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)

Funding Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank all the carers who participated in the study and the research assistants who helped with assessments and data entry. IMPACCT was funded by a grant from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) (NHMRC 1033828). Samantha M. Loi was funded by an NHMRC postgraduate scholarship.