Depression states and its relation with social support among family caregivers of in-patients with cancer

Objective To study depression states and its relation with social support among family caregivers of in-patients with cancer. Methods 106 family caregivers of in-patients with cancer were investigated with the Center for Epidemiolngical Survey, Depression Scale (CES-D) and Social Support Rating Scale (SSBS). The general condition of the caregivers and disease information of the patients were collected with questionnaires designed by author. Results The mean depression scores of caregivers on the CES-D was (18.75±9.06), it was significantly higher than the normal samples. 55.7% (59) of caregivers reported high CES-D scores. The mean level of social support scores in caregivers on the SSRS was (40.54±8.21), which was higher than normal samples. The scores of social support in non-depression caregivers were higher than that in the depression group. The depression level of caregivers were negatively related to their social support. Conclusions A high level of depression existed in family caregivers of cancer patients. The favourable social support could relieve their depression degrees. Medical staff should provide intervention study in caregivers to improve the level of social support and that would improve the caregivers mental health level. Key words: Neoplasms;  Carngivem;  Depressivi disorder;  Social support