Psychological distress among family caregivers of patients with cardiovascular disease.

Abstract

Background: Various studies have reported the clinical importance of psychological distress in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). However, few studies have examined the psychological distress experienced by family caregivers of patients with CVD. This study aimed to examine how having to care for patients with CVD affects psychological distress among family members.

Methods: Data on patients with CVD requiring care and family caregivers living with them were extracted from a nationwide population-based study in Japan (2019 Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions), conducted by the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare. Psychological distress was assessed using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale-6 item score (0-24 points) from the questionnaire, and a score ≥9 was defined as psychological distress.

Results: Family caregivers of patients with CVD who required care in 1990 were analyzed. The proportion of family caregivers experiencing psychological distress was 12.9% (257 in 1990). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the patients themselves had psychological distress, younger family caregivers, female family caregivers, family caregivers and patients residing alone, family caregivers who were not working, and patients with CVD complicated with dementia were independent factors affecting psychological distress in family caregivers.

Conclusions: Multidisciplinary healthcare providers need to be aware of the mental health of not only patients with CVD requiring care but also their family caregivers and implement appropriate medical support.