Family functioning and depression in primary caregivers of stroke patients in China

Abstract Objective To determine the relationship between family functioning and depression in primary caregivers of stroke survivors in China. Design Baseline cross-sectional data from an intervention study for stroke survivors and their families were used. Setting Neurology inpatient service of a large urban hospital. Participants Stroke survivors (n = 180), each with a primary caregiver, were enrolled in this study. The mean age of stroke survivors was 65.60 years, and the mean age of primary caregivers was 57.60 years. Interventions Not applicable. Methods The Family Assessment Device (FAD) and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), respectively, were used. Results Following a stroke of a family member, 71% of caregivers experienced depressive symptoms. Higher depression severity in caregivers was linked to caregiver education, stroke survivor ADLs, and family functioning. Conclusion Assessment of family functioning may help determine which caregivers are most at risk for developing depressive syndrome.