在宅で障害を有する高齢者を介護する家族の抑うつ

：性別および続柄による差異の検討

抄録

　　Depression is the most reported mental illness among family members caring for impaired elders. Although many studies haved focused on the depressive symptoms of family caregivers and their differences by gender and relationships to their elders, conclusions drawn from the studies are difficult to accept because of confused results. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in depressions by gender and relationships to their elders by using an adequate number sample of family caregivers (N = 179). Measures included the elders' cognitive impairment, activity of daily living (ADL), the caregivers' demographic variables, and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Family caregivers' CES-D scores were compared according to gender and relationships to the elders. The results of ANOVA showed no significant difference between genders. Nevertheless, the result of ANOVA revealed significant differences in the relationships to the elders scores. In addition, the CES-D score in spouse caregivers was significantly worse than among other relationships (offspring, daughters-in-law, and the others). After controlling for the influence of the elderly persons' impairments, these differences were still significant. These findings can be used to assist in interventions and psychological support for family caregivers.