Mauro Giovanni Carta, Giulia Cossu, Antonio Egidio Nardi, Oye Gureje, Viviane Kovess-Masfety, Elisa Cantone, Michela Atzeni
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: Informal caregivers of individuals with psychosocial disabilities are at high risk of psychological distress, leading to depressive symptoms and reduced quality of life (QOL). The ongoing crisis in welfare systems, worsened by economic constraints and the COVID-19 pandemic, has further increased caregivers' burdens, especially in countries like Italy, where community-based care models are underfunded. This study aims to assess how this welfare crisis impacts informal caregivers who lack external support.
Methods: A study was conducted in Sardinia, Italy, comparing the mental health and QOL of family caregivers with matched controls from the general population. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and health-related QOL was measured with the SF-12 scale. Statistical analyses included ANOVA and odds ratio calculations.
Results: A sample of 70 caregivers showed a significantly higher prevalence of depressive symptoms (32.86%) compared to 280 controls (9.54%), with an odds ratio of 5.49. Their QOL scores were similar to those of individuals with severe chronic illnesses, reflecting substantial mental and emotional distress.
Conclusions: The findings highlight the severe impact of Italy's welfare crisis on caregivers and underscore the urgent need for policy measures to support informal caregiving networks and alleviate their psychological burden.
期刊介绍：
The International Journal of Social Psychiatry, established in 1954, is a leading publication dedicated to the field of social psychiatry. It serves as a platform for the exchange of research findings and discussions on the influence of social, environmental, and cultural factors on mental health and well-being. The journal is particularly relevant to psychiatrists and multidisciplinary professionals globally who are interested in understanding the broader context of psychiatric disorders and their impact on individuals and communities.
Social psychiatry, as a discipline, focuses on the origins and outcomes of mental health issues within a social framework, recognizing the interplay between societal structures and individual mental health. The journal draws connections with related fields such as social anthropology, cultural psychiatry, and sociology, and is influenced by the latest developments in these areas.
The journal also places a special emphasis on fast-track publication for brief communications, ensuring that timely and significant research can be disseminated quickly. Additionally, it strives to reflect its international readership by publishing state-of-the-art reviews from various regions around the world, showcasing the diverse practices and perspectives within the psychiatric disciplines. This approach not only contributes to the scientific understanding of social psychiatry but also supports the global exchange of knowledge and best practices in mental health care.
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