Depression literacy among family caregivers of older adults : a qualitative approach

Name: Wariya Chankham

keyword: Depression literacy

; Family caregivers

; Older adults

Abstract: Background: In Thailand, caregiving for the elderly with depression is becoming a serious social issue as life expectancy is increasing, resulting in the need for special care. This is why family caregivers' depression literacy is critical for the depressed older adult. Objectives: To explore family caregivers’ depression knowledge, factors contributing to depression, attitudes, and management strategies toward caring for the older adult with depression. Method: A qualitative approach was used to explore family caregivers’ depression literacy regarding geriatric depression. The participants were 17 family caregivers who had experience in caring for an older adult with depressive disorder at home. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data, and thematic content analysis was used to analyze the data. The results showed that depression literacy in family caregivers was insufficient. A qualitative content analysis of the data revealed five themes and ten categories. The themes defined how knowledge of depression arises from perceptions and observations of behavioral changes. There are 3 sub-themes: perceiving suffering of stress and emotional changes ; observing speech and behavioral changes ; and perceiving depression by informing healthcare providers. The themes had multiple factors leading to depression, such as personal habits, loss of a significant person, feelings of disappointment, and socio-economic problems such as an unsuccessful business, and unemployment. There are themes of rethinking in positive ways by accepting being a caregiver and being happy and proud of providing care for a loved one. Themes of negative attitudes included being frustrated. Themes of having strategies to properly manage care included the calming down of feelings, providing comfort and encouragement, and seeking resources. Conclusion: Depression literacy in family caregivers was significantly higher among older adults with depressive disorder. Family caregivers' attitudes were important and directly affected the older adult with depressive disorder. There is a need to develop a network of health volunteers to watch for abnormal symptoms and complications, and to organize a health volunteer mentor system to provide initial assistance and knowledge support

Thammasat University. Thammasat University Library

Address: BANGKOK

Email: preserv@tu.ac.th

Name: Rangsiman Soonthornchaiya

Role: advisor

Name: Pranom Othaganont

Role: co-advisor

Name: Wang, Jing Jy

Role: co-advisor

Created: 2022

Modified: 2024-01-19

Issued: 2024-01-19

วิทยานิพนธ์/Thesis

application/pdf

DOI: 10.14457/TU.the.2022.1065

eng

DegreeName: Doctor of Philosophy

Level: Doctoral Degree

Descipline: Nursing Science

Grantor: Thammasat University

©copyrights Thammasat University

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