Examining depression literacy and related factors among caregivers of psychiatric patients

Abstract

Background:

Mental health literacy is considered crucial for promoting mental health, early diagnosis, referral to mental health services, and ongoing care. The demands and obligations of caregiving can profoundly affect caregivers’ health, work, social life, and relationships, often leading to mental health challenges.

Aim:

This study was conducted to examine the mental health of informal caregivers and to determine its relationship with study variables.

Methods:

This study was conducted between July 1, 2024 and October 1, 2024, involving informal caregivers of individuals diagnosed with psychiatric conditions. A total of 277 caregivers participated in the study. The research tools were a sociodemographic form, the Depression Literacy Questionnaire (DLS), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Self-Actualization Index (SAI). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation.

Results:

The participants’ SAI, BDI, and DLS mean scores were 45.26 ± 6.38, 10.00 ± 8.90, and 12.84 ± 2.73, respectively. A significant negative relationship was found between their SAI and BDI scores (p < .05), while a significant positive relationship was identified between their SAI and DLS scores (p < .05). However, no significant relationship was observed between their BDI and DLS scores (p > .05). Depression literacy was significantly higher among women, single individuals, those with higher education levels, individuals with higher incomes, and those who sought help from a mental health professional (p < .05).

Conclusions:

Increasing levels of depression literacy should be considered an important preventive strategy for addressing mental health issues in the community.