BURDEN AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS IN CAREGIVERS OF PATIENTS WITH DEMENTIA

Authors

  • Georgia Konstantopoulou Department of Education and Social Work, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Patras, Greece
  • Lisiona Belulai Department of Education and Social Work, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Patras, Greece
  • Filio Zoupi Department of Education and Social Work, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Patras, Greece
  • Panagiotis Karnampatidis Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Patras, Greece
  • Eliza Eleni-Zacharoula Georgiou Dementia Trials Ireland, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejphs.v8i4.233

Keywords:

caregiver burden, depression, dementia, mental health, family caregivers

Abstract

Background: Caring for a person with dementia entails considerable emotional, physical, and social demands that can adversely affect caregivers’ mental health. Research consistently shows that caregiver burden is closely linked to depressive symptomatology, particularly in family members who provide long-term, intensive care. Aim: This study aimed to examine the levels of burden and depressive symptoms among caregivers of patients with dementia and to explore whether sociodemographic factors (gender, age, and relationship to the patient) influence the degree of caregiver burden. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted with 140 caregivers of individuals diagnosed with dementia. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, independent samples t-test, and one-way ANOVA, following APA reporting standards. Results: The findings indicated mild depressive symptoms (M = 18.54, SD = 12.58) and moderate levels of caregiver burden (M = 39.75, SD = 19.44). A significant positive correlation was found between depression and burden (r = .282, p< .001), suggesting that higher burden was associated with greater depressive symptomatology. No significant differences in burden were observed by gender (t(138) = −0.003, p = .998), age (F(F (3,136) = 0.853, p = .467), or relationship to the patient (F(7,132) = 0.666, p = .701). Conclusion: The study highlights the emotional toll of dementia caregiving, underscoring the importance of psychosocial support programs aimed at preventing depression and alleviating caregiver burden. Routine screening for emotional distress and early interventions is essential to promote caregivers’ mental health and resilience.

 

Author Biographies

  • Georgia Konstantopoulou, Department of Education and Social Work, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Patras, Greece

    Georgia Konstantopoulou is a Clinical Psychologist, Laboratory Teaching Staff, University of Patras, Department of Educational Sciences & Social Work, Greece.

  • Lisiona Belulai, Department of Education and Social Work, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Patras, Greece

    Lisiona Belulai is a Social Worker, Researcher, University of Patras, Department of Educational Sciences & Social Work, Greece.

  • Filio Zoupi, Department of Education and Social Work, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Patras, Greece
    Filio Zoupi is a Social Worker, Researcher, University of Patras, Department of Educational Sciences & Social Work, Greece.
  • Panagiotis Karnampatidis, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Patras, Greece

    Panagiotis Karnampatidis, is Psychologist, Researcher, Department of Psychology,  European University of Cyprus.

  • Eliza Eleni-Zacharoula Georgiou, Dementia Trials Ireland, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland

    Eliza Eleni-Zacharoula Georgiou, Psychiatrist, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Patras, Greece. Clinical Fellow in Psychiatry for the Elderly, Memory Clinic, MISA, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Republic of Ireland.

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Published

2025-10-31

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 4 (2025)

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Articles

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How to Cite

BURDEN AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS IN CAREGIVERS OF PATIENTS WITH DEMENTIA. (2025). European Journal of Public Health Studies, 8(4). https://doi.org/10.46827/ejphs.v8i4.233