The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #56397

Nelda Mier, PhD, School of Rural Public Health, Texas A&M University, South Texas Center, 3700 N 10th St Suite 210, McAllen, TX 78501, (956)971-8255 x 16, nmier@srph.tamushsc.edu

Ethnicity and depression among informal caregivers of dementia patients

This study explored similarities and differences in factors associated with depression in Hispanic and White informal caregivers of dementia patients. In a sample of 66 informal caregivers (40 Hispanic and 26 White), a cross-sectional design was used to examine the relationships of caregiver’s ethnicity, other potentially important caregivers, social support, and patient’s cognitive impairment and problematic behavior; and the interactions among ethnicity and these variables to caregiver depression. None of the interactions with ethnicity were statistically significant. The majority of caregivers were female. Hispanic and Whites, however, differed in their relationship to their patient. Most Hispanic caregivers were daughters of patients. Caregiver depression was assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) Scale. Caregivers who reported more patient problem behaviors also reported more depression. Although Hispanic caregivers (M=0.71) reported less depression than White caregivers (M=1.07), there were no statistically significant differences in depression between these ethnic groups. The only statistically significant score difference between Hispanic and White caregivers was in the amount of informal support received. When compared to White caregivers Hispanic caregivers reported receiving twice as much informal support, t(64)=2.47,p=.016. Implications of this study include the need to further determine reasons why Hispanic caregivers reported less depression than White caregivers and to understand the importance of social support in moderating caregiver’s depression.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the learner in this session will be able to:
• Identify similarities and differences in factors affecting the caregiving experience between Hispanic and White informal caregivers of dementia patients.
• Recognize the importance of including ethnicity in studies related to the elderly population and their caregivers.
• Discuss the implications of social support in the dementia caregiving experience.

Keywords: Caregivers, Aging

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.