Abstract:
Background: Depression is a serious mental illness that affects patients’ treatment outcome and caregiver’s day to
day life. The prevalence of depression among caregivers of patients with severe mental illness is greater than the
general population. Little is known about depression among primary caregivers of patients with severe mental
illness in Ethiopia. This study is aimed at assessing prevalence of depression and associated factors among primary
caregivers of patients with mental illness.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among primary caregivers of patients with severe mental illness
in Jimma University Teaching Hospital. Patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to assess depression. A
multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS) was used to assess perceived social support; Cut down,
Annoyed, Guilty, Eye opener (CAGE) scale was used to assess alcohol use disorder. After conducting descriptive
analyses, logistic regression analysis was finally used for bivariate and multivariable analysis.
Result: The overall prevalence of depression among primary caregivers of patients with mental illness was 12
(19%). Out of those caregivers with depressions, 11.3, 3.5 and 4.2% had moderate, moderately severe and severe
types of depression respectively. The prevalence of depression among female primary caregivers was 25% (n = 40).
Being single (aOR 2.62, 95% CI = 1.07, 6.41), giving care more than six hours per day (aOR 3.75, 95% CI = 1.51, 9.33)
and caring for a patient who had more than once episodes of suicidal attempts (aOR 1.48, 95% CI = 1.07, 3.42) were
positively associated with depression among caregivers of patients with mental illness.
Conclusion: We found that the prevalence of depression among primary caregivers was high. Depression among
caregivers was associated with giving care more than six hours per day and caring for a patient who had two or
more episodes of suicidal attempts. The prevalence of depression among female caregivers was higher than that of
the male caregivers. Therefore, special focus should be given to primary caregivers spending long hours for
providing care, those with low perceived social support; caregivers of patients with suicidal ideation and female
caregivers.
