Evaluation of the relationship between caregiver burden, coping styles and levels of anxiety and depression in caregivers of old age patients

Introduction: At present, caregiver's health is a public health challenge in itself, as important as the health of the elderly. This study aims to investigate the relationship between caregiver burden and levels of anxiety and depression, the factors influencing them, and also to evaluate the coping strategies of the caregivers.Methods: This study is a survey-based cross-sectional study, including a total of 70 caregivers. Sociodemographic characteristics of caregivers and care receivers were collected by a survey. The functional status of the elderly was evaluated by Katz’ Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADL). Burden Interview Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and The COPE Inventory were used to examine the caregiver burden, anxiety and depression levels and coping strategies of the caregivers.Results: Anxiety and depression levels of the caregivers included in our study were higher when compared with the other studies. The anxiety levels were correlated with the non-functional coping strategies. The use of effective social support decreased the anxiety levels. Conclusion: Country specific guidelines should be prepared for the primary healthcare centers in order to evaluate and protect caregiver health. Long-term multicenter clinical studies are needed to develop culture-specific programs for the intervention of functional coping strategies and to help caregivers cope more effectively with their daily life stressors.