Impact of the presence of a family member with dementia on the prevalence of depression: a comparison based on household income level.

BACKGROUND

Families caring for patients with dementia are more vulnerable to depression. This cross-sectional study compared differences in socioeconomic status and gender related to depression among families of patients with dementia and identified associated factors.

METHODS

Inequality in depression according to household income level among families of patients with dementia was assessed using the Korean Community Health Survey, which included a sample of over 200,000 participants. Depression prevalence was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and each independent variable was calculated. Significant differences were analyzed using the chi-square test. Complex-sample multivariate logistic regression was performed to examine the association between the income levels of families of patients with dementia and depression. Additionally, an analysis of depression, stratified by income level and gender, was conducted.

RESULTS

The prevalence of depression among families of patients with dementia was 4.41%. The odds ratio (OR) for depression among families of patients with dementia compared to the population of families without patients with dementia was 1.49. Depression was significantly more likely in families with lower income levels (adjusted OR [aOR]: 2.17, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.16-2.18). The magnitude of the impact of having a family member with dementia on depression varied by income level, being highest in the lowest income group (aOR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.63-1.66) and lowest in the highest income group (aOR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.24-1.27). Stratification by gender showed that both men and women in families of patients with dementia were more likely to experience depression than those in families without patients with dementia. Women had a higher likelihood of depression across all income levels than men; however, the impact of having a family member with dementia was more pronounced among men, especially those from lower-income groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest the necessity for support policies tailored to low-income groups and women among families of patients with dementia. This is crucial given the higher prevalence of depression among families of patients with dementia than among families without patients with dementia.