Frequency of Depression Among Caregivers of Patients with Parkinson’s Disease at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Hyderabad, Pakistan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47489/szmc.v40i2.842Keywords:
Parkinson Disease, Caregivers, Depression, Psychological Stress, Mental HealthAbstract
Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's disease and is the most common movement disorder worldwide. According to 2019 data, more than 8.5 million people are affected by PD, and its prevalence has doubled in the last 25 years. In Pakistan, the number of PD patients is currently estimated at one million and is expected to reach 1.2 million by 2030.
Objective: The objective is to assess the frequency of depression and association with demographic characteristics among caregivers of patients suffering from Parkinson's disease in a tertiary health care center.
Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from 20th May 2024 to 20th November 2024. A total of 67 caregivers aged 20–60 years, of both genders, were recruited. Data were collected on age, gender, marital status, and caregiver relationship to the patient. Depression was assessed using validated Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Categorical variables were presented as frequencies and percentages. Cross-tabulations were performed to describe the distribution of depression status across selected demographic variables, including age, gender, education, and caregiver relationship to the patient.
Results: The mean age of caregivers was 36.83 ± 9.84 years. Male caregivers comprised 53.7%, and 70.1% were married. Depression was identified in 41.8% of caregivers of patients with Parkinson’s disease. Education status and relationship to patients was significantly associated with depression status (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Depression was common among caregivers of patients with Parkinson’s disease, affecting more than two-fifths of participants. Education status and relationship to the patient showed significant associations with depression, highlighting the need for early screening, psychosocial support, and targeted caregiver-focused interventions.
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