Depression In Family Caregivers Research Articles

Quality of sleep and depression in family caregivers of patients receiving palliative care

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the depression symptoms and quality of sleep of palliative care patients’ family caregivers. Methods: A total of 120 patients were hospitalized at the palliative care center and primary caregivers were included. Depression symptoms of caregivers was assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and quality of sleep with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results: The mean age of 120 caregivers included in the study was 47.2±12.8 years. The mean BDI score was 10.4±7.2, and the mean PSQI score was 4.6±2.9. Significantly higher rates of depression symptoms were observed in singles than in married people (p=0.037). The healthy sleep rate of the patients whose caregiving period was 6-10 years was significantly lower (p=0.018). While 78.5% of those who received support from their families had a healthy sleep, this rate was 52.4% in those who did not receive support from their families (p=0.034). A significant difference was found between PSQI and BDI categories (p=0.004). People with moderate depressive symptoms were more likely to have poor sleep quality and long-term sleep disorders. Conclusions: Family caregivers of patients receiving palliative care are at risk for poor sleep quality and depression symptoms. We think that the evaluation of these people in terms of the presence of depression symptoms and poor sleep quality may provide early intervention to alleviate the symptoms.

Effect of psychosocial factors on autonomic nervous system activity in patients with heart failure.

Autonomic imbalance predicts worse clinical outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF). Managing the variables affecting heart rate variability (HRV) might improve the clinical outcomes of patients with HF. This study aimed to investigate variables affecting HRV. We assessed autonomic nervous system activity (low-frequency [Lf], high-frequency [Hf], and Lf/Hf ratio) in 60 patients with HF, employing standard measures to capture short-term HRV. To estimate the independent effects of variables such as well-known cardiac risk factors and psychosocial conditions on HRV, multivariate analyses were conducted. For psychosocial variables, we assessed depression and quality of life in patients and their family caregivers. We also assessed the self-care behavior of patients and their caregivers' burden. Depression in family caregivers and self-care behavior of patients were independently associated with a decreased Hf (β-coefficient = 0.309, P = .039 and β-coefficient = -0.029, P = .047, respectively). Depression of family caregivers and self-care behavior of patients may affect HRV in patients with HF.

Anxiety and depression in family caregivers of hemodialysis patients: Incidence, risk factors, and correlation

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) imposes a significant global burden, with diabetes and hypertension being major contributors. In the severe stage, CKD patients require long-term hemodialysis (HD) treatment and rely on family caregivers for support. Caregivers often experience mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression, which can impact their quality of life and patient outcomes.Objective: This study aimed to identify the anxiety and depression incidence in HD family caregivers at Soehadi Prijonegoro Regional Public Hospital (SPRPH), identify the risk factors associated with these conditions, and investigate the relationship between anxiety and depressionMethods: A cross-sectional analysis was carried out at the Hemodialysis Department from November 2022 to February 2023. Caregivers accompanying CKD patients undergoing HD participated voluntarily. Anxiety and depression levels were evaluated using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D). Results: Out of 106 participants, 66% were female. Most caregivers (99%) experienced anxiety, with 91% classified as mild and 8% as mild to moderate. Depression was reported by 42%, with 2% experiencing mild to moderate symptoms. Spearman’s analysis revealed a significant correlation between anxiety and depression (p=0.000). No specific caregiver characteristics were found to be associated with anxiety or depression.Conclusion: Family caregivers of HD patients demonstrated a high incidence of anxiety and a lower prevalence of depression. Anxiety levels were correlated with depression levels. We did not identify specific risk factors for these mental health conditions among caregivers. These findings emphasize the need for mental health screening and appropriate management to improve the quality of life for HD family caregivers.

A Randomized, Controlled, Preliminary Study to Assess the Efficacy of Logic-Based Therapy in Reducing Anxiety and/or Depression in Family Caregivers

AbstractThis paper analyzes the findings of a preliminary, controlled efficacy study conducted by the National Philosophical Counseling Association of a prominent modality of philosophical counseling, Logic-Based Therapy (LBT). In this study, the latter modality was compared to a mindfulness activity. The study included 20 caretakers randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The hypothesis investigated was that a one-hour LBT session is more effective in reducing the level of (state or trait) anxiety and/or depression in family caregivers than a one-hour mindfulness session. Utilizing data compiled from study participants’ responses to the State Trait Anxiety Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-2), two-way mixed ANOVA tests on three variables (state anxiety, trait anxiety, and depression (BDI-2) scores) were performed as well as paired analyses yielding the preliminary conclusion (pending a more extensive study) that LBT shows promise as an effective intervention for reducing state anxiety as compared to the control condition, the mindfulness activity.

A family intervention to prevent postoperative delirium in patients undergoing cardiac valve surgery: A randomized controlled study

BackgroundMultiple guidelines recommend that families be involved in the care of ICU patients, which has been widely used in ICU delirium management in recent years. Postoperative delirium (POD) occurs frequently after cardiac surgery and is associated with poor outcomes; however, the effects of family intervention on this group are rarely studied. ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the effects of family intervention on the incidence of POD and the ICU prognoses of patients undergoing cardiac valve surgery. MethodsThis was a two-group, single-blind, randomized controlled trial involving 80 patients undergoing cardiac valve surgery, with 40 patients in each group. The control group received routine ICU visits, and the experimental group implemented a family intervention that instructed family caregivers to participate in delirium management during ICU visits. The occurrence of POD, ICU stay, mechanical ventilation time of patients; as well as the anxiety, depression, and satisfaction levels of family caregivers were compared between the two groups. ResultsThe incidence of POD and ICU stay of patients were significantly lower in the experimental group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The anxiety and depression incidence of family caregivers in the experimental group was lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05), and satisfaction scores were higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). ConclusionsFamily intervention has the potential to reduce the incidence of POD in patients undergoing cardiac valve surgery, shorten ICU stays, reduce the incidence of anxiety and depression in family caregivers, and improve their satisfaction. These findings suggest that family intervention could be incorporated into routine nursing practice.

Telephone-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Depression in Family Caregivers of Persons Living With Dementia: A Feasibility Study.

The current study aimed to examine the usefulness of a telephone-based cognitive-behavioral therapy program for depression in 11 family caregivers of persons living with dementia. Data were collected and analyzed before (Session 1), after (Session 6), and at 3-month follow up using the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview, General Self-Efficacy Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Self-Rating Depression Scale. Depression scores decreased significantly (p < 0.05) from Session 1 to Session 6. Results suggest that the program should address Proactivity of Action, a sub-item of self-efficacy, to reduce depression. In addition, the program enabled caregivers to reduce negative perceptions of their caregiving duty, which may lead to positive thinking and proactive behavior. Despite these findings, the program must be modified and research must continue, as this was a feasibility study with an intervention group only. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 61(12), 37-45.].

The processes of stress and coping in informal caregivers of people diagnosed on the schizophrenia spectrum. A longitudinal study

The goal of this study was to analyze the role of stress factors and coping strategies in explaining the burden and depression of family caregivers of people diagnosed with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder through a longitudinal design. An evaluation was made of thirty patients with a diagnosis on the spectrum of schizophrenia and thirty informal caregivers. Participants were assessed at three successive moments: baseline, after 5 months, and after 10 months. A decrease in caregivers´ levels of subjective burden across time was found. At longitudinal level, most of the caregivers’ coping strategies showed a relevant relationship with subjective burden and depression at some assessment time. In addition, subjective burden and depression showed a higher relationship with the patient´s negative symptomatology. At longitudinal level, avoidant and resignation showed a relevant relationship with subjective burden and depression. The changes in the evaluation of the demands that the disorder placed on the caregivers and in their coping strategies suggest the development of a process of adaptation to the disorder by the caregiver.

Sociocultural factors, guilt and depression in family caregivers of people with dementia. Kinship differences

Objectives This study aims to analyze the role that family obligations and social desirability have for understanding guilt and depressive symptoms in family caregivers. A theoretical model is proposed to analyze this significance based on the kinship with the person cared for. Methods Participants are 284 family caregivers of people with dementia divided into four kinship groups (husbands, wives, daughters and sons). Face-to-face interviews were conducted assessing sociodemographic variables, familism (family obligations), dysfunctional thoughts, social desirability, frequency and discomfort associated with problematic behaviors, guilt and depressive symptoms. Path analyses are performed to analyze the fit of the proposed model and multigroup analysis to study potential differences between kinship groups. Results The proposed model fits the data well and explains significant percentages of variance of guilt feelings and depressive symptomatology for each group. The multigroup analysis suggests that, for daughters, higher family obligations were associated with depressive symptomatology through a report of higher dysfunctional thoughts. For daughters and wives, an indirect association between social desirability and guilt was observed through reaction to problematic behaviors. Conclusion The results support the need to consider the significance of sociocultural aspects such as family obligations and the desirability bias in the design and implementation of interventions for caregivers, especially for daughters. Considering that the variables that contribute to explaining caregivers’ distress vary depending on the relationship with the person cared for, individualized interventions may be warranted depending on the kinship group.

The impact of nursing phone counseling on depression and anxiety in family caregivers

Introduction: Family caregivers play a large supportive role in the care of patients suffering from special conditions, such as trauma and stroke. This makes them to be at risks of variety of mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. Effective communication and nursing consulting can play an important role in managing anxiety and depression in family caregivers. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of tele-counseling on the improvement of depression and anxiety in family caregivers of patients with trauma and stroke. Methods: This is a clinical trial study with 80 caregivers of stroke survivors discharged from Hospital. Inclusion criteria included being the primary caregiver, over 15 years of age, lack of cognitive impairment (dementia and delirium), lack of mourning experience for the past 6 months, and patient care for at least 2 months at home. Study tools included Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventory. The data were analyzed using t test, Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon and ANOVA tests in SPSS software. Results: In the experimental group, there was a significant decrease in levels of depression and anxiety of family caregivers of traumatic patients, but no significant difference was observed in the control group before and after the intervention. Conclusion: Nursing telephone consulting reduced the level of depression and anxiety of family caregivers of traumatic patients. Therefore, the development of desirable protocols for tele-counseling to support acute and chronic disease caregivers is suggested.

Evaluation of quality of life and depression in family caregivers of patients with type 1 diabetes in Iran: A case-control study.

Diabetes as a silent epidemic and one of the top four causes of death in the world. This study was designed to evaluate the quality of life and depression in family caregivers of patients with type 1 diabetes in Iran. The study was case-control study (cases, n = 50; controls, n = 50). The cases consisted of family caregivers of patients with type 1 diabetes who referred to the endocrinology clinic of Kosar Hospital in Semnan in 2020. The controls were a random sample from among family caregivers of non-diabetic patients who had referred to the same center in the same year. Demographic and family variables, the 36-Item Short Form Survey questionnaire, and Beck's Depression Inventory were used to collect data. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models with receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve were used to data analysis in STATA 14. The multivariable logistic regression model showed a significant association between existence of a patient with type 1 diabetes with number of caregivers' children (odds ratio (OR) = 1.77; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06-2.94), quality of life (OR = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.74-0.90), sex (OR = 10.04; 95% CI: 2.29-43.99), and income level of caregivers (OR = 6.49; 95% CI: 1.35-31.08); however, it did not show a significant relationship with depression (OR = 1.02; 95% CI: 0.94-1.10). The quality of life in family caregivers of type 1 diabetics is low and gender, income level, and number of caregivers' children were the most important factors predicting it. Therefore, psychological interventions to manage stress and improve the quality of life of family caregivers are recommended.

Family Caregiver's Depression, Confidence, Satisfaction, and Burden Regarding End-of-Life Home Care for People With End-Stage Dementia.

To detect differences between two care services units: regarding family-caregiver (FC) depression, perceived-burden and confidence in the provision of care to people with end-stage dementia (PWESD); examine predictors such as FC age, depression, confidence in the provision of care to PWESD and satisfaction with the community-home-care service to burden; and explore a mediation model.The participants were 139 FC, caring for PWESD living at home. The questionnaire was composed of FC background characteristics, perceived-burden, satisfaction with the community-home-care services, depression, and confidence in the provision of care to the PWESD. HCUs' FC felt significantly more burdened than HHUs' FC. Furthermore, satisfaction with the community-home-care services mediated the relationship between FC confidence in the provision of care to the PWESD and FC burden. The study results may affect the development of end-of-life care policies and services which meet the needs of PWESD and their FC.

The Impact of Depression on Quality of Life in Caregivers of Cancer Patients: A Moderated Mediation Model of Spousal Relationship and Caring Burden.

Family caregivers play an important role in managing and supporting cancer patients. Although depression in family caregivers is known to negatively affect caregiver health, the mechanism by which it affects caregivers is not clear. The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of depression on quality of life (QoL) in family caregivers of patients with cancer. Specifically, this study examined (1) whether caring burden mediates the relationship between depression and QoL, and (2) how this mediating effect varies depending on the caregiver's relationship with the patient. This study performed a secondary analysis on cross-sectional survey data. Ninety-three family caregivers of cancer patients were included in the study. Moderated mediation analyses were conducted using PROCESS macro with the regression bootstrapping method. The moderated mediation models and the indirect effect of caregiver depression on QoL through caring burden were significantly different depending on caregivers' relationships with patients (i.e., spousal or non-spousal). Specifically, the indirect effect of caregiver depression on QoL was greater for the patient's spouse than for other family caregivers. Healthcare providers should focus on identifying caregivers' depression and relationship with the patient and offer tailored support and intervention to mitigate the caring burden and improve the caregivers' QoL.

Associations among disability, depression, anxiety, stress, and quality of life between stroke survivors and their family caregivers: An Actor-Partner Interdependence Model.

To explore the effects of disability, depressive, anxiety and stress symptoms on patients' and their partners' quality of life (QoL) using the actor-partner interdependence model (APIM). A cross-sectional study using actor-partner interdependence model. We recruited 183 dyads of stroke survivors and their family caregivers in Indonesia. The World Health Organization Disability Assessment (WHODAS 2.0), Depression, Anxiety and Stress (DASS-42) and Rand Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) were used to measure disability, depressive, anxiety and stress symptoms and QoL of stroke survivors and family caregivers. The actor-partner interdependence model was tested using multilevel modelling. The actor-partner interdependence mediation model (APIMeM) was applied to estimate the direct and indirect effect. Disability had actor effects on stroke survivor's overall QoL and partner effect on family caregiver's overall QoL. More severe disability of stroke survivors was associated with a lower overall QoL of their own and that of family caregiver's overall QoL. Depressive symptoms of stroke survivors had actor effects on stroke survivors' overall QoL and partner effects on family caregivers' overall QoL. Actor and partner effects also exist on family caregiver's depression symptoms to their own overall QoL and stroke survivor's overall QoL. Moreover, higher anxiety symptoms were associated with lower levels of their own and partner's overall QoL in both stroke survivors and family caregivers. Stroke survivor's stress symptoms also negatively associated with their own and family caregiver's overall QoL. However, a family caregiver's stress without a partner effects on stroke survivor's overall QoL. The APIMeM analysis showed that disability of stroke survivors directly decreased their own overall, physical (PCS) and mental QoL (MCS). Also, disability mediated by stroke survivor's depression, anxiety and stress symptoms decreased both stroke survivor's and family caregiver's physical (PCS) and mental QoL (MCS). The findings suggest that stroke survivors and family caregivers may influence each other during the caregiving process and social life. The disability of stroke survivors, and the depression, anxiety and stress symptoms of stroke survivors and family caregivers affect their own QoL and their partners' QoL. Disability of stroke survivors directly decreased their own overall, physical (PCS) and mental QoL (MCS). Also, it indirectly via stroke survivor's depression, anxiety and stress symptoms decreased both stroke survivor's and family caregiver's physical (PCS) and mental QoL (MCS). Dyadic actor-partner interdependence models have shown promising potential to predict the QoL among patients and family caregivers. The dyadic effects of disability, depression, anxiety and stress symptoms on the QoL of stroke survivors and family caregivers can be applied to guide the future development of nursing intervention addressed decreasing depression, anxiety and stress symptoms to optimize health outcomes among stroke survivors and their family caregivers.

Factors Associated With Depression Among Family Caregivers of Patients With Stroke in Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Strokes may lead to increased dependency, which may impact the daily lives of patients with stroke and their family caregivers. Caring for a poststroke family member in Indonesia may differ from other countries in terms of extending beyond the provision of hands-on care. Contradictions and gaps in the factors affecting caregiver depression have been highlighted in a review of the relevant literature. Few studies have examined comprehensively the contradictory factors, uncovered factors, and cultural and spiritual values affecting this phenomenon. This study was designed to identify the factors associated with depression in family caregivers of patients with stroke in Indonesia. We examined the following factors related to caregiver depression: demographic characteristics of the caregiver and care recipient, functional ability of the patient, caregiver self-efficacy, knowledge regarding stroke care, and spiritual values. In this cross-sectional study, 157 primary caregivers completed questionnaires involving depression factors during face-to-face interviews. The data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression. The prevalence of depression among the participants was 56.7%. The overall mean ages of the participants and their care recipients were 43.6 and 57.1 years, respectively. In this study, 65.6% of the participants were female, and 70.1% lacked knowledge regarding stroke care. In the early caregiving phase, caregiver depression was more likely to occur in female caregivers with back pain and long care hours. Self-efficacy in achieving respite time was found to be associated with a lower risk of depression. Caregivers' gender, presence of back pain, sufficient respite time, and time since stroke occurrence should be considered when providing knowledge, skills, and coping strategies to caregivers to help them adapt to their caregiving role, maintain their quality of life, and prevent the onset of depression. Understanding the factors influencing caregiver depression may help nursing professionals identify individuals at a higher risk of depression early on and provide critical follow-up and early access to supportive counseling.

Factor Analysis Affecting Degree of Depression in Family Caregivers of Patients with Spinal Cord Injury: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study.

This study was conducted to determine the degree of depression in family caregivers of spinal-cord-injury patients and to identify factors influencing family caregivers’ depression. The final study subjects were 30 (family caregivers: 6 males and 24 females). The CES-D of family caregivers; general characteristics of spinal-cord-injury patients and family caregivers; and information on physical health, household income, leisure, social activity, family relationship, and life-in-general status of family caregiver were collected. A frequency analysis, normality test, Mann–Whitney test, Kruskal–Wallis test, Spearman Correlation analysis, hierarchical regression analysis, and spider network through a path model analysis were performed. As for the general characteristics, when the patient was economically active, the caregiver’s depression was mean ± SD; 2.04 ± 0.71; otherwise, it was mean ± SD 2.86 ± 0.74, indicating that the caregiver of the non-economic activity patient was more depressed (p = 0.013). In Model 1 of the multiple regression analysis to understand the effect on the depression of the caregiver, it was confirmed that the depression of the caregiver decreased as the family caregiver had more leisure and social activities (B = −0.718, p = 0.001). In Model 2, it was found that the depression of caregivers increased when the patient did not engage in economic activity (B = 0.438, p = 0.016). In the spider-web form through the path model analysis, as the family’s economic level increased, physical health increased by B = 0.755 (p < 0.001), and the increase in physical health (B = 0.424, p = 0.042) was, in turn, a factor in the increase of engagement in leisure and social activities. Various policies will be needed for the successful return to society of spinal-cord-injury patients by ensuring that their leisure and social activities and establishing measures to support their economical income.

Caring for Caregivers: Multiple Losses, Diminished Social Support, and their Associations with Depression in Family Caregivers

The present study investigated the association between family caregiving-related losses, diminished social support, and depression in 533 adult family caregivers living in the United States. Results suggested that 62.66% ( n = 334) of participants were considered at risk for depression. Results from structural equation modeling (SEM) approaches revealed that caregiving-related losses were a strong predictor of depression, explaining 47% of a total variance. A lack of social support was also a predictor of depression in this sample, increasing total variance accounted for to 51%. We discuss clinical implications, including strategies for coping with caregiving-related losses and their correlates.

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Designing a need-based program for relieving psychological distress of family caregivers of leukemia patients: a randomized controlled trial.

The family of leukemia patients, due to their caring role, often feels psychological distress. A practical need-based program carefully considers the set of requirements of nursing service recipients. This paper illustrates the efficacy of a designed family-need-based program on relieving stress, anxiety, and depression of family caregivers of leukemia patients. In this controlled trial, sixty-four family caregivers of leukemia patients referring to a medical center in Iran were recruited by convenience sampling and randomly divided into study and control groups. The study group attended a designed need-based program. The control group did not receive the intervention. Stress, anxiety, and depression of both groups were simultaneously measured and compared in three time-points using the scale of stress, anxiety, and depression (DASS-42). Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Before the program, the average scores of stress, anxiety, and depression were 31.16 ± 4.14, 21.37 ± 6.31, and 27.56 ± 4.24 for the study group and 31.09 ± 4.48, 20.34 ± 6.56, and 28.78 ± 4.72 for the control group. After the program, the average scores of stress, anxiety, and depression were 10.56 ± 3.37, 6.75 ± 2.99, and 7.37 ± 2.76 for the study group and 34.87 ± 2.51, 23.65 ± 4.96, and 32.56 ± 3.49 for the control group, respectively. Results of the independent t test indicated no considerable difference before the program (P > 0.05) and a significant difference after the program (P < 0.001) between the two groups. This family-need-based program can decrease the level of stress, anxiety, and depression of the family caregivers of leukemia patients and may potentially alleviate the psychological distress of family caregivers over their caring role.

Trait Mindfulness, Rumination, and Well-being in Family Caregivers of People with Acquired Brain Injury

espanolEste estudio examino la relacion entre el rasgo de mindfulness, rumiacion, calidad de vida, ansiedad y depresion en cuidadores de personas con dano cerebral adquirido (DCA). Participaron 78 cuidadores (75.6% mujeres) de edades comprendidas entre 22 y 80 anos. Los participantes facilitaron medidas de problemas conductuales y emocionales de la persona con DCA, rasgo de mindfulness, sintomas de ansiedad y depresion, calidad de vida y rumiacion. Los resultados mostraron que mindfulness se asocia a menos sintomas de ansiedad y depresion y mas calidad de vida y que esto se explica a traves de un menor uso de la rumiacion. Asimismo, los problemas conductuales y emocionales de la persona con DCA se asocian a una mayor depresion y menor calidad de vida en el cuidador. La rumiacion media parte de esta asociacion. Finalmente, los problemas conductuales y emocionales de la persona con DCA se asocian mas estrechamente a la depresion en los cuidadores con bajo nivel de mindfulness. EnglishThis study examined the relationship between trait mindfulness, rumination, quality of life, anxiety, and depression in family caregivers of people with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). Participants were 78 caregivers (75.6% women) aged between 22 and 80 years. The participants completed measures of behavioral and emotional problems in the person with ABI, trait mindfulness, symptoms of anxiety and depression, quality of life, and rumination. The results showed that mindfulness is associated with fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression and better quality of life, and that this is explained through less use of rumination. Likewise, behavioral and emotional problems of the person with ABI were associated with more depression and lower quality of life in the caregiver. Rumination explained part of this association. Finally, behavioral and emotional problems of the person with ABI were more strongly associated with depression in caregivers with low trait mindfulness.

암환자 부양가족의 가구소득수준이 우울에 미치는 영향: 지각된 공식적지지의 조절효과 검증

본 연구는 암환자 부양가족의 가구소득수준과 우울의 관계에서 공식적지지의 조절효과를 검증하는 것을 목적으로 한다. 이를 위해 암전문 대학병원에서 암환자 부양가족을 대상으로 설문을 실시하였으며 참여자는 가구소득수준, 우울, 공식적지지 등을 묻는 질문지에 자가보고식으로 응답하였다. 조사는 2015년 4월에서 9월까지 5개월간 진행되었으며 설문지 199부를 획득하여 198부를 최종분석으로 활용하였다. 빈도분석, 기술통계분석, 다중회귀분석을 위해 SPSS 25.0을 사용하였다. 분석 결과, 첫째, 가구소득이 월 100만원 미만일 때 우울이 가장 높았고, 가구 소득 월 500만원 이상 집단에서 우울이 가장 낮게 나타났다. 둘째, 가구소득수준은 암환자 부양 가족이 지각하는 우울에 유의미한 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. 셋째, 조절변수인 공식적지지는 우울을 낮추며 암환자 주부양자의 가구소득수준과도 상호작용하여 우울을 감소시키는 요인임이 확인되었다. 연구의 결과를 바탕으로 암환자 부양가족의 가구소득에 따른 우울을 해소할 수 있는 사회복지적 개입 방안을 제언하였다.