Exploring the Effects of Chronic Illness and Minor Depression among Caregivers

Chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension, often co-occur with depression, leading to compounded health challenges.  Managing these chronic conditions impacts the everyday lives of those afflicted, as they must monitor food intake, nutritional status, blood pressure, and other biological markers while also coping with the emotional and psychosocial aspects of their illness.  These effects extend beyond the individual, impacting partners and family members who often take a supportive, caregiver role in encouraging healthy decision-making and active management of the condition.  This paper draws on data collected through a broader, multi-phase investigation regarding the transcreation of a chronic disease self-management program for Latinos in Tampa Bay in an effort to evaluate the impact of caregiving on those who provide support to partners, family members, and/or friends coping with co-morbid chronic disease and minor depression.  Qualitative data on the lived experiences of caregivers was collected through focus groups (n=17) conducted with caregivers.  Longitudinal data was also collected from caregivers (n=75) who participated in a chronic disease self-management program as part of a patient-family dyad.  A structured questionnaire which included the Caregiver Burden Scale was used to collect data pre, post, 3-month, and 6-month post intervention.  Results highlight challenges experienced by caregivers, including depression, frustration, conflicting demands, mental health stressors, financial concerns, and interpersonal interactions.  Findings also focus on perceived burden and factors that influence caregiver stress.  This study presents support for the active inclusion of caregivers in self-management programs and provides insight into mechanisms that may help reduce caregiver stress.