SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE OF CARETAKERS OF PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM DEPRESSIVE DISORDER

Abstract

Background: Depression is a condition characterized by state of aversion to activity and low mood. It can affect a person’s sense of well being, feelings, motivation, thoughts and behavior

Aims: To find sociodemographic profile of the caretakers of patients suffering from depressive disorder.

Materials & Methods: The present observational, cross-sectional study was conducted on 120 caretakers of patients suffering depression. Sociodemographic characteristics like age, address, sex, religion, occupation, type of family, education, relation with patient etc were studied.

Results: Majority of the caretakers i.e. 46.7% were above 46 years, 60.8% were females whereas 39.2% were males. 52.5% caretakers were from rural background, 60% were Hindus, 76.7% were married, 62.5% were from joint families, 56.7% were illiterate and 60% were unemployed. Maximum percentage of caretakers i.e. 45.9% were parents while majority i.e. 59.2% belongs to lower socioeconomic class.

Conclusion: From present study we conclude that majority of the caretakers of the patients suffering from depression were females, above 46 years of age with rural background, living in joint families, illiterate, unemployed and belongs to low socioeconomic class. So it is suggested that service providers, researchers, policy makers and planers should address the issues of these caretakers carefully so that the prognosis of depressive disorder can be improved.

Keywords: Caretakers, Depression, Stigma.