A Study on the Degree of Burden and Depression in Family Caregivers of Patients with Stroke

Lee, Kang Yi; Sohng, Kyeong Yae

Abstract

This study was designed and undertaken to identify the degree of burden and depression in family caregivers of patients with stroke and to determine whether burden was directly related to depression. The data were collected from October 23th to November 20th, 1995. The subjects in this study were 80 caregivers, that is, one family member and 80 patients with stroke who were hospitalized in one oriental medicine hospital located in Taejon City. The questionnaires consisted of questions regarding burden(13 item, 6 point scale) and depression(20 item, 4 point scale). Data were analyzed using percentages, means, t-test, ANOVA and Peason-correlation coefficients, done with the SAS program. The results of this study are as follows; 1. The score for family caregiver's burden was higher than the mid level for the 13 items. 2. The score for of family caregiver's depression was relatively low. 3. The relationship between burden and depression showed a significant inverse correlation. 4. In the relationships between total burden and general characteristics of the family caregivers; there were no significant differences. But, in the relationship between objective burden and general characteristics of the family caregivers; age and education had statistically significant differences. That is, the 40's group felt more objective burden than any other age group and the high education group more than the illiterate group. 5. In the relationship between depression and general characteristics of the family caregivers; sex, education and monthly income had statistically significant differences. That is, female caregivers felt more depression than males, and the lower the level of education and the lower the monthly income, the higher the degree of depression. 6. In the relationships between burden and general charateristics of the stroke patients, only subjective burden according to the patients' sex was significantly different. That is, caregivers felt more subjective burden when caring for male patients than for female patients. 7. In the relationships between depression and general charateristics of the stroke patients, only the patients' economic status showed a statistically significant difference. That is, caregivers felt more depression in case of patients' low economic status.