Exploring the Impact of Anxiety, Depression and Fatigue on Quality of Life Among Caregivers of Individuals With Mental Health Disorders.

INTRODUCTION

Caregivers for people diagnosed with mental health disorders can be more susceptible to experiencing increased levels of fatigue, anxiety, depression, and overall stress due to the demanding role of caregiving. This can significantly impact the physical and mental health of the care provider. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of anxiety, depression, and fatigue on quality of life in caregivers of individuals with mental health disorders.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 112 caregivers of individuals with mental disorders completed the following scales: i) Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale for the evaluation of anxiety and depression, ii) Kingston Caregiver Stress Scale for the evaluation of caregivers' stress, iii) Fatigue Severity Scale for the evaluation of fatigue, iv) SF-12 Health Survey for the evaluation of quality of life, and v) A questionnaire about demographics. Variables were tested for normality using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov criterion. Quantitative variables were expressed as mean values (standard deviation) and as median (interquartile range). Qualitative variables were expressed as absolute (N) and relative frequencies (%). Spearman correlation coefficients (rho) were used to explore the association of two continuous variables. Multiple linear regression analyses were used with the SF-12 dimensions' scores as dependent variables.

RESULTS

Increased fatigue, higher levels of anxiety and depression, and increased overall stress were associated with poorer physical and mental health outcomes for caregivers of people with mental health disorders (p<0.001). An increase in fatigue was also associated with higher levels of anxiety, depression, and stress (p<0.001). Caregivers with a pre-existing health problem had poorer physical health outcomes (p<0.001). An extended duration of caregiving was associated with reduced physical health (p=0.017). Parental caregivers reported low mental health (p=0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Caregiving was associated with increased fatigue, anxiety, depression and stress, leading to poorer physical and mental health outcomes for caregivers. Creating a coherent support framework that respects caregivers' needs and focuses on preventing burnout can play a key role in improving their well-being and quality of life, while strengthening the quality of care they provide.