Factors associated with high psychological distress in primary carers of people with disability.

Abstract

The 2015 national 'Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers in Australia' was used to derive a nationally representative sample and estimate weighted prevalence rates of high psychological distress (Kessler scores ≥22) in primary carers of people with disability. Risk factors were evaluated using weighted logistic regression models with lasso techniques. Approximately 27% of carers had high psychological distress. Nearly half of the study population reported changes in their health and wellbeing. A delay in general practitioner (GP) visits was common and associated with >2-fold increase in risk of high psychological distress. The findings suggest targets for early diagnosis and intervention, and adequate referrals from GPs to meet the health needs of carers.