scholarly journals Self-reported symptoms of depression and anxiety among informal caregivers of persons with dementia: a cross-sectional comparative study between Sweden and Italy

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseba Wulff ◽  
Agneta Malmgren Fänge ◽  
Connie Lethin ◽  
Carlos Chiatti

Abstract Background Around 50 million people worldwide are diagnosed with dementia and this number is due to triple by 2050. The majority of persons with dementia receive care and support from their family, friends or neighbours, who are generally known as informal caregivers. These might experience symptoms of depression and anxiety as a consequence of caregiving activities. Due to the different welfare system across European countries, this study aimed to investigate factors associated with self-reported depression and anxiety among informal dementia caregivers both in Sweden and Italy, to ultimately improve their health and well-being. Methods This comparative cross-sectional study used baseline data from the Italian UP-TECH (n = 317) and the Swedish TECH@HOME (n = 89) studies. Main outcome variables were the severity of self-reported anxiety and depression symptoms, as measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). HADS scores were investigated using descriptive and bivariate statistics to compare means and standard deviations. Linear regressions were used to test for associations between potential factors and self-reported symptoms of depression and anxiety. Results Italian informal caregivers reported more severe symptoms of depression and anxiety than Swedish caregivers. In Italy, a higher number of hours of caregiving was associated with anxiety symptoms (β = − 1.205; p = 0.029), being 40–54 years-old with depression symptoms (β = − 1.739; p = 0.003), and being female with symptoms of both depression (β = − 1.793; p < 0.001) and anxiety (β = 1.474; p = 0.005). In Sweden, a higher number of hours of caregiving and being < 39 years-old were associated with depression symptoms (β = 0.286; p < 0.000; β = 3.945; p = 0.014) and a higher number of hours of caregiving, the lack of additional informal caregivers and dementia severity were associated with anxiety symptoms (β = 0.164; p = 0.010; β = − 1.133; p = 0.033; β = − 1.181; p = 0.031). Conclusion Multiple factors are associated with self-reported symptoms of depression and anxiety among informal caregivers in Sweden and Italy. Factors found in this study partly differ between the two countries, suggesting the important role of cultural and social factors affecting the experience of caregiving. A deeper knowledge of these factors may increase the knowledge on potential protective and risk factors, provide information to policymakers and ultimately improve the psychological well-being of informal caregivers to people with dementia across Europe.

Work ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Natan Feter ◽  
Eduardo L. Caputo ◽  
Igor R. Doring ◽  
Marcelo C. da Silva ◽  
Felipe F. Reichert ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has affected workers in different health services including exercise professionals (EP). The urgent need to adapt in-person to online activities might have led to increased frequency of anxiety and depressive symptoms. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to identify the determinants of aggravated depressive and anxiety symptoms in EP in southern Brazil during social distancing from the COVID-19. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with EP who worked at fitness centers, sports clubs, private schools, or at a public exercise program offered by the municipal council. We used an online-based, self-administered, adapted version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale to compare symptoms of depression and anxiety pre- and during social distancing. RESULTS: Participants (n = 201) had a mean age of 32.7±8.0 years, with more than half being male, white, and having an university degree. We observed that 81%and 71%of respondents reported higher frequency in anxiety and depression symptoms, respectively, during social distancing than in the period before it. Physical education teachers, women, non-white professionals, and those with chronic disease were more likely to worsen anxiety symptoms. Women had higher odds to increased frequency in depressive symptoms. Physical activity and previous experience with internet-based tools for working activities reduced the risk of increased depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Sex, ethnicity, chronic diseases, educational level, physical activity, and experience with online tools were determinants for increased frequency of depression and anxiety symptoms in EP.


2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 628-633
Author(s):  
Alex Bacadini França ◽  
Adam Lee Gordon ◽  
Rajvinder Samra ◽  
Evelise Saia Rodolpho Duarte ◽  
Alessandro Ferrari Jacinto

Abstract Background informal carers of people with dementia are at greater risk of anxiety and depressive disorders if they find caregiving to be a burden. The aim of this study was to use a network analysis of cross-sectional data to investigate the relationships between anxiety and depressive symptoms in family carers of older people with dementia who experience burden. Methods sixty family carers exhibiting high levels of burden using the Zarit Burden Interview were included in the study. Participants completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The network analysis identified the depression and anxiety symptom network using features including a topological graph, network centrality metrics and community analysis. The network was estimated through the graphical LASSO technique in combination with a walktrap algorithm to obtain the clusters within the network and the connections between the nodes (symptoms). A directed acyclic graph was generated to model symptom interactions. Results the resulting network architecture shows important bridges between depression and anxiety symptoms. Lack of pleasure and loss of enjoyment were identified as potential gateway symptoms to other anxiety and depression symptoms and represent possible therapeutic targets for psychosocial interventions. Fear and loss of optimism were highly central symptoms, indicating their importance as warning signs of more generalised anxiety and depression. Conclusions this network analysis of depressive and anxiety symptoms in overburdened family carers provides important insights as to what symptoms may be the most important targets for behavioural interventions.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (16) ◽  
pp. 2590-2594
Author(s):  
Dona Farila Agus ◽  
Elmeida Effendy ◽  
Vita Camellia

BACKGROUND: HIV, which causes AIDS, infects the immune system cells, by destroying or damaging the function of the CD4. PLWHA will have twice the risk of experiencing mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety compared with the general population, thereby suppressing immune function, decreasing their quality of life, decreasing the level of adherence to treatment, and contributing significantly to the occurrence of premature death. AIM: To determine the correlation Anxiety and Depression symptoms and CD4 levels in PLWHA who are undergoing Anti-Retroviral treatment at the HIV/AIDS METHODS: The study was a cross-sectional study, which assesses the correlation between Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores (HADS) and CD4 levels in PLWHA who are receiving ARV in the HIV/AIDS Special Services Polyclinic Medan Haji general hospital. RESULTS: It was found that the average HADS-A score, PLWHA was 15.286 and the SD ± 2.244. This shows that PLWHA is in moderate to severe anxiety and moderate to severe depression. The mean CD4 level of people with HIV/AIDS/PLWHA was 288.171 and SD ± 88.955. According to WHO criteria, regarding the classification of HIV immunodeficiency in adults, are classified as moderate immunodeficiency. There was a significant correlation between the HADS-A score and CD4 level with a correlation value of r = -0.592 indicating a negative correlation with a moderate correlation strength, and the correlation between HADS-D score and CD4 level. The strength of the relationship between HADS-D score and CD4 level is r = -0.650, shows a negative correlation with strong correlation strength. CONCLUSION: from this study, it was found that there is a relationship between depression and anxiety symptom and CD4 level.


SLEEP ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A121-A122
Author(s):  
S T Nguyen-Rodriguez ◽  
O M Buxton

Abstract Introduction Chronotype refers to a preference for morning hours (morningness) vs. evening hours (eveningness) when individuals tend to feel their best (e.g., higher energy levels). People may be classified at either end of this spectrum or along a continuum between these preferences. Among adolescents, eveningness is positively related to depression and anxiety, whereas morningness is negatively related to depression. However, less is known about the relationship of chronotype and psychological health in pre-teens and Latinx youth. The present study explored associations of morningness/eveningness with anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and perceived stress among Latinx pre-adolescents in Southern California. Methods A purposive sample of 100 Latinx children, ages 10-12 years old, completed self-report surveys in their homes or a preferred location chosen by the parent. Measures included the Morningness/Eveningness Scale for Children (higher scores indicate morning preference), Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Perceived Stress Scale (higher scores indicate higher anxiety, depression and stress, respectively). Associations were tested with Pearson correlations. Results The sample was 47% male with a mean±SD age of 10.9±0.8 years. Average score for morningness/eveningness was M=30.2±4.4 (range: 18-41), for anxiety symptoms was M=0.7±0.7 (range: 0-2.8), for depression symptoms was M=0.5±0.4 (range: 0-1.9) and for perceived stress was M=15.2±5.8 (range: 2-30). Greater morningness/eveningness scores, indicating more morningness, were associated with lower scores for anxiety symptoms (r=-.41, p&lt;.001), depressive symptoms (r=-.36, p&lt;.001) and perceived stress (r=-.33, p=.001). Conclusion As has been found for adolescents, higher morningness in Latinx pre-teens was related to less frequent anxiety and depression symptoms, as well as lower perceived stress. Youth experience a circadian phase delay during adolescence, shifting their preference toward eveningness, which may exacerbate stressors and negative mental health. Therefore, interventions to promote psychological well-being in pre-adolescents may help prevent worse psychological outcomes in Latinx children as they transition to adolescence. Support This work was supported by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under Award Numbers UL1GM118979, TL4GM118980, and RL5GM118978.


Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 555-555
Author(s):  
Lauren Mednick ◽  
Shuli Yu ◽  
Felicia Trachtenberg ◽  
Dorothy A. Kleinert ◽  
Patricia J Giardina ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 555 Background and Significance: Individuals with chronic medical conditions are vulnerable to symptoms of anxiety and depression. Promoting healthy emotional functioning is important not only to psychological well-being, but also to physical health as it has been shown to impact adherence to medical regimens. Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder which requires lifelong intervention and may be associated with treatment and disease-related complications that impact both the length and quality of life for most who are affected. While several studies have examined the prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients with thalassemia, most have been conducted with small, homogeneous samples of children. In addition, the one study which examined psychological adjustment in adults included patients from only one medical center (Messina et al.; Intern Emerg Med, 3:339, 2008). Further, few studies have examined demographic, medical, and psychosocial variables possibly correlated with the occurrence of these symptoms. Understanding the factors that are related to the experience of depressive and anxiety symptoms may help us to identity individuals at risk and help in developing targeted interventions. The current study aimed to (1) determine the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms in adolescent and adult patients with thalassemia; and (2) explore possible demographic, medical, and psychosocial correlates of these symptoms. Specifically, we hypothesized that (1) anxiety and depressive symptoms in this sample would be similar to the rates of these symptoms in individuals diagnosed with other chronic medical conditions and higher than in individuals without chronic medical conditions; (2) symptoms of depression and anxiety would be inversely correlated with measures of adherence (i.e., subjective report, ferritin); and (3) symptoms of depression and anxiety would be inversely correlated with functional health and well-being. Method: Data on quality of life and mental health self assessments were collected as part of the Thalassemia Longitudinal Cohort (TLC), a multi-center multinational study conducted by the NHLBI-sponsored Thalassemia Clinical Research Network. The current analysis included 281 participants (14-58 years old, M age=27.83; 52% female) who completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), a 14-item questionnaire examining presence of anxiety and depression symptoms. Participants also completed a measure of functional health and well-being (SF-36), as well as questions related to adherence to their medical regimen. In addition, as part of the larger TLC study, medical data such as ferritin and method of chelation was collected. Results: 32% of participants indicated experiencing at least mild symptoms of anxiety and 11% at least mild symptoms of depression. While these rates are higher than rates of symptoms of depression and anxiety found in the general population, they are similar to rates found in other groups with chronic illness (e.g., diabetes). Older age, female gender, and chelation with deferoxamine (as compared to deferasirox) were factors that were significantly associated with anxiety and/or depression and were statistically controlled for in subsequent analyses. Symptoms of depression, but not anxiety, were inversely correlated with subjective reports of adherence (p<.05), although not with ferritin levels. However, a significant correlation in the expected direction between subjective report of adherence and ferritin was found (p<.01). Finally, as hypothesized, both symptoms of depression and anxiety were significantly and negatively correlated with functional health and well-being (p<.0001). Conclusion: While the majority of patients with thalassemia do not report significant symptoms of anxiety and depression, the rates are higher than in the general population. Given that symptoms of anxiety and depression were associated with poor adherence and lower functional health and well-being, regular screening for anxiety and depression symptoms could help to identify at risk individuals in order to provide them with appropriate psychological support with the goal of improving both emotional and physical health. Disclosures: Porter: Novartis: Research Funding. Thompson:Novartis: Research Funding. Neufeld:Novartis: Research Funding.


Author(s):  
Amir H Zamanipoor Najafabadi ◽  
Pim B van der Meer ◽  
Florien W Boele ◽  
Martin J B Taphoorn ◽  
Martin Klein ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Little is known about long-term caregiver burden in meningioma patients. We assessed meningioma caregiver burden, its association with informal caregiver’s well-being and possible determinants. Methods In this multicenter cross-sectional study, informal caregivers completed the Caregiver Burden Scale (five domains and total score). Patients completed a disease-specific health-related quality of life (HRQoL) questionnaire focusing on symptoms (EORTC QLQ-BN20) and underwent neurocognitive assessment. Both groups completed a generic HRQoL questionnaire (SF-36) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. We assessed the association between caregiver burden and their HRQoL, anxiety and depression. Furthermore, we assessed determinants for the caregiver burden. Multivariable regression analysis was used to correct for confounders. Results 129 informal caregivers were included (median 10 years after patients’ treatment). Caregivers reported burden in ≥1 domain (35%) or total burden score (15%). A one-point increase in total caregiver burden score was associated with a clinically relevant decrease in caregiver’s HRQoL (SF-36) in 5/8 domains (score range: -10.4 to -14.7) and 2/2 component scores (-3.5 to -5.9), and with more anxiety (-3.8) and depression (-3.0). Patients’ lower HRQoL, increased symptom burden, and increased anxiety and depression were determinants for higher caregiver burden, but not patients’ or caregivers’ sociodemographic characteristics, patients’ neurocognitive functioning, or tumor- and treatment-related characteristics. Conclusions Ten years after initial treatment, up to 35% of informal caregivers reported a clinically relevant burden, which was linked with worse HRQoL, and more anxiety and depression in both patients and caregivers, emphasizing the strong interdependent relationship. Support for meningioma caregivers is therefore warranted.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Solfrid Romundstad ◽  
Torfinn Hynnekleiv

Abstract Background: The study aimed to examine whether there are associations between levels of depression symptoms and levels of the inflammation marker albuminuria. Materials and methods: The 8303 participants in this cross-sectional study were subjects from the second survey of the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT, Norway). Depression symptoms were assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the odds ratio (OR) for moderately increased albuminuria (ACR > 3.0 mg/mmol) according to different HADS subgroups and -scores.Results: Unadjusted ORs for moderately increased albuminuria were significantly increased in those with HADS > 8 (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.05-1.54, p=0.013) and HADS > 11 (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.19-2.14, p=0.002). However, after adjusting for age and sex, only HADS > 11 was significantly associated with ACR > 3.0 mg/mmol (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.08-1.98, p=0.014), and after multivariable adjustments for cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidity, there were no significant associations. Conclusion: The positive and significant association between moderately increased albuminuria and symptoms of depression found in unadjusted analyses weakened and disappeared after adjustments. Although individuals with depressive symptoms had albuminuria more often than individuals without such symptoms, albuminuria may reflect other comorbidity and inflammation conditions than depression.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
B Borregaard ◽  
S.N Nielsen ◽  
J.F Lassen ◽  
L.O Jensen ◽  
L Thrysoe ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Although survival rates among patients with coronary artery disease have increased since the introduction of treatment with percutaneous coronary intervention, PCI, the effect of psychological factors such as symptoms of anxiety and depression on adverse outcomes are sparsely described. Purpose The objective of the current study was to investigate the association between symptoms of anxiety and depression and 1-year mortality after PCI. Methods A national cross-sectional survey at hospital discharge (responders, n=3,366) with register-based follow-up among patients having undergone elective or emergency PCI. Mental health was measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS, and divided into symptoms of anxiety (HADS-A) and symptoms of depression (HADS-D). The association between mental health (HADS-A and HADS-D) and 1-year all-cause mortality were investigated with Cox Proportional Hazard models with time to death as the underlying time scale. The results are presented as hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and adjusted for sex, age and Tu-comorbidity score. Results At discharge, 32% of the population reported symptoms of anxiety (HADS-A ≥8) and 19% reported symptoms of depression (HADS-D ≥8). After one year, the mortality rate among patients being alive at discharge was 2.1%. All-cause mortality did not differ among patients reporting symptoms of anxiety compared to patients without symptoms of anxiety (2.3% vs 1.9%, p=0.454), whereas all-cause mortality was higher among patients reporting symptoms of depression compared to those, who did not (4.3% vs 1.6%, p≤0.001). In the regression analyses, symptoms of anxiety (HADS-A ≥8) was not associated with 1-year mortality (HR 1.16 95% CI 0.70–1.92); however, symptoms of depression was (HADS-D ≥8, HR 2.27 95% CI 1.38–3.73, adjusted analyses). Based on the continuous scores of HADS-D, a one-point increase in scores was associated with a 12% higher risk of 1-year mortality (HR 1.12 95% CI 1.05–1.18) (Figure 1). Conclusion After PCI, nearly one-third of patient report symptoms of anxiety and one-fifth symptoms of depression. Symptoms of anxiety was not associated with 1-year mortality, whereas symptoms of depression increased the risk of 1-year mortality. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None


2021 ◽  
pp. 089198872110026
Author(s):  
Arash Mowla ◽  
Mehrnoosh Ghaedsharaf ◽  
Azadeh Pani

Background: The highly infectious and pathogenic coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) has emerged to cause a global pandemic. In this cross-sectional comparative study, our objective is to compare the depression and anxiety symptoms in elderly COVID-19 survivors with a control group. Method: 69 elderly COVID-19 survivors (age 65 or older) within 2 weeks post-discharge were assessed for anxiety and depression symptoms by a package of self-rating scales (Geriatric Anxiety Scale-10 (GAS-10), Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS-15) and General Health Questionar-28 (GHQ-28)). Their scores were compared with a group of aged-matched residents without COVID-19 in their community. Results: The mean scores on GAS-10, GDS-15 and GHQ-28 in the COVID-19 survivors group and control group were 12.06 vs. 6.53 (p < .001), 12.48 vs. 5.73 (p < .001), 52.7 vs. 29.8 (p < .001), respectively. All of the COVID-19 survivors and 60% of the controls had scores in the pathological range of GHQ-28 scale. A total of 93.2% of COVID-19 survivors revealed anxiety symptoms in GAS-10 scale. This rate was 60% in the control group. A total of 86.6% of COVID-19 survivors compared to 46.6% of the controls reported symptoms of depression in GDS-15 scale. Conclusion: The rate of depression and anxiety symptoms in elderly COVID-19 survivors and controls found to be high during the pandemic. However, COVID-19 survivors significantly suffered more.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 809-812
Author(s):  
Regan Shakya ◽  
Bandana Gautam

Introduction: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive disabling illness characterized by persistent airflow limitation affecting physical, psychological and social aspect of the individual. Amongst the associated co morbidities, depression and anxiety has been identified as common modifiable psychiatric comorbidities of COPD which impacts the patient’s quality of life.  Objectives: To establish the prevalence of depression and anxiety among the COPD patient and determine the association between them. Methodology: The cross sectional study was conducted at Dhulikhel Hospital. We used a convenient sampling method to recruit seventy three COPD participants admitted in the Medicine ward. We interviewed the participants to evaluate anxiety and depression using the Nepali version of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale questionnaire. We considered positive result of anxiety and depression when the Hospital Anxiety and Depression score was above eight.  Results: Depressive and Anxiety symptoms were observed in 30 % and 33% of the participants respectively. Similarly 20% of the participants had both the symptoms of depression and anxiety. The association between depression and anxiety was found to be highly significant (p<0.001). In the multivariate model the odds of depression and anxiety was nine percent increase with every one year increase in age after adjusting for gender and duration of illness. (adjusted OR: 1.07; CI 1.00- 1.17; p-value: 0.03). In an unadjusted model depression was significantly associated to every year increase in age (unadjusted OR: 1.07; CI: 1.00- 1.13; p-value: 0.03) Conclusion: Depression and anxiety is prevalent among COPD patient at Dhulikhel hospital with one fifth of the patient demonstrating both depression and anxiety symptoms.


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