Factors Associated With Depression in Caregivers of Adults With Down Syndrome

Background: Family caregivers of those with developmental disabilities have higher rates of depression and anxiety compared with caregivers of those without development disability. Few studies have examined factors that contribute to caregiver depression, including the appraisal of caregiving responsibilities and the physical fitness and daily function of the care recipient. The purpose of this study was to identify intrapersonal (caregiver) and interpersonal (care recipient) factors associated with depressive symptoms in caregivers of adults with Down syndrome (DS).

Methods: Twenty-four adults with DS participating in a 12-month physical activity trial completed physical fitness and function tests (VO_2peak, hand grip strength, timed up and go, five times sit to stand) and activities of daily living (ADL) surveys at their baseline visit. Caregivers (n = 24) of the adults with DS completed surveys on caregiving distress, quality of life (QoL) and depressive symptoms. We evaluated the associations of these assessments on caregiver depressive symptoms using Mann-Whitney U tests and Spearman correlations.

Results: Adults with DS were 23 ± 7.5 years, 58% female; caregivers were 54 ± 10 years, 100% female, 96% family members. Caregiver depressive symptoms were significantly associated with caregiving distress (p = 0.024) and caregiving QoL (r = -0.58, p = 0.003). Hand grip strength of care recipients was inversely correlated with caregiver depressive symptoms (r = -0.45, p = 0.03), but other assessments of physical function and ADL were not associated with caregiver depressive symptoms.

Conclusions: Caregiver depressive symptoms were related to modifiable factors related to the caregiver and care recipient. Intervening to improve caregiving appraisal and functional strength of the care recipient may positively impact caregiver mental health.