Depression, nutritional risk and eating behaviour in older caregivers.
OBJECTIVE
This study investigated the relationship between depression, nutritional risk and dietary intake in a population of older caregivers.


METHODS
Mailed questionnaire with sub group participating in a home-based interview.


METHODS
Seventy-six community dwelling caregivers aged 50 y or over from Victoria, Australia.


METHODS
Questionnaires provided information on weight, height, hours of care, depressive symptoms, nutritional risk and appetite. The home-based interview assessed dietary intake and shopping, cooking and meal consumption habits.


RESULTS
The sample had a mean +/- SD age of 70.3 +/- 12.8 y, BMI of 27.2 +/- 4.8 kg/m2 and the time spent caring was 101.8 +/- 68.1 h/wk. Overall, 32% of caregivers had depressive symptoms, 21% were at risk of malnutrition and 21% reported their appetite was fair/bad/very bad. Caregivers with depressive symptoms (32%) compared to those with no depressive symptoms (53%) had a poorer appetite (p < 0.05). Of the 20 caregivers who participated in the home interview, 25% reported they ate their meals alone.


CONCLUSIONS
A significant proportion of community dwelling older caregivers had depressive symptoms, were at risk of malnutrition and had poor appetites, although the majority were overweight or obese.
Torres
S J
SJ
Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, 3125, Australia.
McCabe
M
M
Nowson
C A
CA
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D001066:Appetite / Q000502:physiology; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D004435:Eating; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D009752:Nutritional Status; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014739:Victoria