Prevalence and risk factors of depressive disorder in caregivers of patients with head and neck cancer

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine the prevalence and risk factors of depressive disorder in caregivers of patients with head and neck cancer.

Methods: Study subjects were recruited from a multidisciplinary outpatient clinic for head and neck cancer in a medical center from February to July 2012. Caregivers of patients with head and neck cancer were enrolled and assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM-IV, Clinician Version, the Short Form 36 Health Survey, and the Family APGAR index. The main aim of the study was to examine the difference in demographic data and clinical characteristics between the caregivers with and without depressive disorders. In addition, a stepwise forward model of logistic regression was used to test the possible risk factors.

Results: One hundred and forty-three caregivers were included in the study. The most prevalent psychiatric disorder was depressive disorder (14.7%), followed by adjustment disorder (13.3%). Nearly one-third of the caregivers had a psychiatric diagnosis. By using logistic regression analysis, it was found that unemployment (odds ratio (OR) = 3.16; 95% CI, 1.04-9.68), lower social functioning (OR = 1.43; 95% CI, 1.18-1.72), and lower educational level (OR = 1.16; 95% CI, 1.01-1.34) were significant risk factors for the depressive disorder.

Conclusions: The clinical implication of our results is the value of using the standardized structured interview for early diagnosis of depressive disorder in caregivers of head and neck cancer patients. Early screening and management of depression in these caregivers will raise their quality of life and capability to care patients.

Keywords: Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM-IV, Clinician Version; bodily pain; cancer; caregiver; depressive disorder; general health; mental health; oncology; physical functioning; quality of life; risk factor; role limitations due to emotional problems; role limitations due to physical problems; social functioning; the Short Form 36 Health Survey; vitality.