The Prevalence of Depression and Its Correlates Among Informal Caregivers of Stroke Patients in an Urban Community

Introduction Stroke emerges as a prominent causative factor contributing to severe disability and functional limitations, necessitating a reliance on familial support for daily activities and participation in social engagements. Following hospital discharge, a considerable proportion of stroke survivors require comprehensive assistance, including physical, psychosocial, and financial support from caregivers within domestic settings. This transitional phase represents one of the most challenging periods for families. The reciprocal dynamics between stroke survivors and their caregivers are not only evident in the context of the caregiving process but also extend to their communal interactions. The disability and depressive symptomatology encountered by stroke survivors significantly impact the overall quality of life, both for the survivors themselves and for their caregivers. This study aims to determine the prevalence of depression among informal caregivers of stroke patients in Malaysia's urban setting, specifically in the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), and examine the predicting associated factors and their relationship with the caregiver burden. Methods A cross-sectional study involving 54 informal caregivers was conducted via face-to-face and phone interviews with all informal caregivers of stroke patients who were attending outpatient specialist rehabilitation clinics, wards, and therapy areas at the UMMC. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Zarit Burden Interview-22 (ZBI-22) were used to determine the presence of depression and caregiver burden respectively. After conducting descriptive analysis, bivariate analysis was done using Chi-square, Fisher's exact, or Mann-Whitney U test. Multivariate analysis was then conducted using logistic regression. Results The overall prevalence of depression among informal caregivers of stroke patients was 18.5%. The prevalence of depression among female informal caregivers and caregivers who had been giving care for more than six months was 21% (n = 8) and 9.1% (n=3). Caregivers who provided care for more than six months, taking care of stroke patients who were diagnosed more than six months and had moderate to severe care burden were positively associated with depression. Conclusion Our study found the prevalence of depression among informal caregivers was high. Depression among caregivers was associated with giving care for more than six months, providing care for stroke patients who were diagnosed more than six months, and those with moderate to severe care burden. Therefore, screening for depression should focus on informal caregivers with patients using wheelchairs and higher care burdens.