title: Sociodemographic, physical, and psychosocial characteristics of depressed and non-depressed family caregivers of stroke survivors.
abstract: A variety of sociodemographic, physical, and psychosocial variables are linked to depressive behaviour in family caregivers. This study was conducted to determine the best predictors of caregiver depression at onset of the caregiver role among persons providing care to a stroke survivor. The relative contributions of stroke survivor and caregiver sociodemographic characteristics, as well as caregiver general health, physical functioning, social support, life satisfaction, preparedness, and reaction in the prediction of depression status, were examined. A correlational study of 52 primary family caregivers of individuals who had a cerebrovascular accident was conducted. General health and physical functioning scales from the SF-36, and measures of caregiver social support, life satisfaction, preparedness, and reaction were used. Caregiver depression was best predicted by lower life satisfaction, lower physical functioning, and a lack of tangible social support.
authors.affiliation: University of Alabama at Birmingham, 35294-1210, USA. grantj@admin.son.uab.edu
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Grant
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Bartolucci
authors.forename: T R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Elliot
authors.forename: J N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Giger
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012307:Risk Factors; D012944:Social Support; D020521:Stroke / Q000523:psychology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation