Depression among cancer caregivers in a rural setting.xlsx

Background Palliative care services involve the psychological care of caregivers of cancer patients. Psychological conditions especially depression among caregivers distort caregiving roles, thus, worsening prognosis and increasing patient suffering. Objective To determine the prevalence and associated factors for depression among caregivers of cancer patients at a rural cancer care facility in Uganda.MethodsParticipants and sample size
The sample size of 366 was calculated using the Kish-Leslie formula, basing on an estimated prevalence of 38.2% among caregivers of cancer patients, level of attrition of 10%, 95% confidence interval and margin of error 5%. We included caregivers of cancer patients aged 18 years and above who consented to participate in the study by convenience sampling based on the caregivers present during the time of data collection – in the evening (convenience time for most caregivers) when the caregivers were not so occupied with caregiving activities. Caregivers who were already receiving mental health care for depression (as reported by the caregiver) were excluded from the study. Because the study was screening for individuals who need treatment and those were already on treatment. Data collection Trained research assistants (RA) with training in counselling and Responsible Conducted of Research (RCR), administered the translated 30-minute-long questionnaire (written form). This questionnaire captured the participants’ sociodemographic characteristics; age, sex, marital status, level of education, employment status, religion, and monthly income. The questionnaire also captured a stressful life event experienced and having a social support group. Depression was assessed using the patient health questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9). Ethical consideration
The study complied with the ethical guidelines of the Declarations of Helsinki. The study was approved by The Aids Support Organisation (TASO) Uganda Limited research ethics committee, reference number (#TASOREC/054/2020-UG-REC-009). Permission for data collection was obtained from MRRH administration. All participants provided written consent to participate in the study. For participant who did not know how to read and write, the consent was read out loud to them in their preferred language and consented in the presence of their chosen witness comfortable in reading and writing. Caregivers with severe depression were provided with counselling sessions by the psychologist on the team (SN) and referred to the psychiatry unit for further management by the psychiatrist on the team (RN & MMK).