The Factor Structure of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) for Depression in Dementia Caregivers

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate thefactor structure of the Center for Epidemiologic Studiesdepression scale (CES-D) used for evaluating depression indementia caregivers and to examine the relationships betweeneach factor and the variables. We used principle componentfactor analysis with oblique oblimin rotation for extractionof factors. The results revealed a three-factor model thatincluded depressed affect (factor 1), positive affect (factor2) and interpersonal relations (factor 3), which differs fromthe original version. Unlike the depressive and positive affectfactors, the interpersonal relations factor was statisticallysignificantly positively correlated with the educational level ofthe caregiver rather than functional and cognitive impairment(as according to the Mini-Mental State Examination andInstrumental Activities of Daily Living). When we evaluatepatients with dementia, we should consider the 3 psychometricproperties and keep in mind that different dimensions ofdepressive symptomatology indicate different concerns forpatients and their caregivers in clinical practice.