Majerovitz S Deborah
York College, City University of New York, NY, USA.
Aging Ment Health. 2007 May;11(3):323-9. doi: 10.1080/13607860600963380.
This study identified predictors of caregiver burden and depression among family caregivers to nursing home residents. Pearlin's stress process model was used as a theoretical framework. Structured interviews were conducted with 103 family caregivers to nursing home residents. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the relationship of contextual variables (caregiver age, income, health), caregiving stressors (resident's memory and behaviour problems, caregiving tasks, satisfaction with nursing home), and social support with caregiver burden and depression. All three domains of predictor variables were significantly related to caregiver burden. Only contextual factors and social support predicted depression. Depression levels were elevated in this sample, with the mean falling above the cutoff for clinical depression. Family members of nursing home residents are at risk for caregiver burden and depression and each outcome has unique predictors in this population. Understanding factors associated with greater burden and depression can guide nursing home staff and mental health professionals in working with family members. Older family members, those in poor physical health or with low incomes are at highest risk, particularly for depression; while families of more impaired residents are at higher risk for burden. Social support is an important factor in alleviating burden and promoting positive mental health.
本研究确定了疗养院居民家庭照料者中照料者负担和抑郁的预测因素。皮尔林的压力过程模型被用作理论框架。对103名疗养院居民的家庭照料者进行了结构化访谈。多元回归分析用于确定背景变量（照料者年龄、收入、健康状况）、照料压力源（居民的记忆和行为问题、照料任务、对疗养院的满意度）以及社会支持与照料者负担和抑郁之间的关系。预测变量的所有三个领域均与照料者负担显著相关。只有背景因素和社会支持可预测抑郁。该样本中的抑郁水平有所升高，平均水平高于临床抑郁的临界值。疗养院居民的家庭成员有照料者负担和抑郁的风险，并且在这一人群中每种结果都有独特的预测因素。了解与更高负担和抑郁相关的因素可以指导疗养院工作人员和心理健康专业人员与家庭成员合作。年长的家庭成员、身体健康状况差或收入低的人风险最高，尤其是抑郁风险；而居民功能受损更严重的家庭负担风险更高。社会支持是减轻负担和促进积极心理健康的重要因素。
