Exploring the relationship between physical health, depressive symptoms, and depression diagnoses in Hispanic dementia caregivers.
OBJECTIVE
The present study examined the relationship between self-reported physical health, depressive symptoms, and the occurrence of depression diagnosis in Hispanic female dementia caregivers.


METHODS
Participants were 89 Hispanic female dementia caregivers.


METHODS
This study used a cross-sectional design. Baseline depression and physical health data were collected from participants enrolled in the 'Reducing Stress in Hispanic Anglo Dementia Caregivers' study sponsored by the National Institute on Aging.


METHODS
Physical health was assessed using the Medical Outcome Study Short Form-36 (SF-36), a one-item self-report health rating, body mass index, and the presence or history of self-reported physical illness. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D). The occurrence of depression diagnosis was assessed using the Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID).


METHODS
Multiple linear and logistic regression analysis was used to examine the extent to which indices of physical health and depressive symptoms accounted for variance in participants' depressive symptoms and depressive diagnoses.


RESULTS
Self-reported indices of health (e.g., SF-36) accounted for a significant portion of variance in both CES-D scores and SCID diagnoses. Caregivers who reported worsened health tended to report increased symptoms of depression on the CES-D and increased likelihood of an SCID diagnosis of a depressive disorder.


CONCLUSIONS
Self-reported health indices are helpful in identifying Hispanic dementia caregivers at risk for clinical levels of depression.
Cucciare
Michael A
MA
Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA. cucciare@hotmail.com
Gray
Heather
H
Azar
Armin
A
Jimenez
Daniel
D
Gallagher-Thompson
Dolores
D
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003704:Dementia / Q000208:ethnology / Q000451:nursing*; D003863:Depression / Q000208:ethnology*; D004219:District of Columbia; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000208:ethnology*