Depression in Family Members of Hemophiliac Patients

Abstract

*Corresponding author: Mi Kyung Kim, MD Department of Pediatrics, Presbyterian Medical Center, University of Seonam College of Medicine, 365 Seowon-ro, Wansan-gu, Jeonju 560-750, Korea Tel: +82-63-230-1390 Fax: +82-63-230-1490 E-mail: kmik7@hanmail.net Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of depression in families with hemophiliac patients and associated factors. Methods: The survey respondents were the family members of 37 hemophiliac patients who visited our hospital between September 2013 and January 2014. The survey questionnaire included questions on the general characteristics of the hemophiliac patients and the family members, and the Beck depression inventory (BDI) scale for evaluating depression. Results: The mean age of the family members of the patients was 41.2 years. The mother was the main caregiver for 16 patients (43.2%). The percentages of patients with severe hemophilia (less than 1% factor VIII or IX activity), hepatitis C virus infection, and joint disorders were 67.6%, 13.5%, and 21.6%, respectively. The mean± SD BDI score of the family members of the patients was 6.7± 7.1 points, and 29.7% of the family members of the patients were found to have a tendency toward depression (≥10 points). The higher the severity of hemophilia in the patients, the higher the incidence of depression in their families (P= 0.035). Conclusion: About 30% of the families with hemophiliac patients were found to have a tendency toward depression. The risk for depression increased with the severity of hemophilia. Family members of hemophiliac patients often experience stress and burden. Therefore, there is a need to mobilize social resources in order to share the burden of these families and to provide continuous and comprehensive care for family members.