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Depression, nutritional risk and eating behaviour in older caregivers
journal contribution
posted on 2010-06-01, 00:00 authored by Susan TorresSusan Torres, M McCabe, Caryl NowsonCaryl NowsonObjective
This study investigated the relationship between depression, nutritional risk and dietary intake in a population of older caregivers.
Design
Mailed questionnaire with sub group participating in a home-based interview.
Participants and setting
Seventy-six community dwelling caregivers aged 50 y or over from Victoria, Australia.
Measurements
Questionnaires provided information on weight, height, hours of care, depressive symptoms, nutritional risk and appetite. The home-based interview assessed dietary intake and shopping, cooking and meal consumption habits.
Results
The sample had a mean±SD age of 70.3±12.8 y, BMI of 27.2±4.8 kg/m2 and the time spent caring was 101.8±68.1 h/wk. Overall, 32% of caregivers had depressive symptoms, 21% were at risk of malnutrition and 21% reported their appetite was fair/bad/very bad. Caregivers with depressive symptoms (32%) compared to those with no depressive symptoms (53%) had a poorer appetite (p<0.05). Of the 20 caregivers who participated in the home interview, 25% reported they ate their meals alone.
Conclusion
A significant proportion of community dwelling older caregivers had depressive symptoms, were at risk of malnutrition and had poor appetites, although the majority were overweight or obese.
This study investigated the relationship between depression, nutritional risk and dietary intake in a population of older caregivers.
Design
Mailed questionnaire with sub group participating in a home-based interview.
Participants and setting
Seventy-six community dwelling caregivers aged 50 y or over from Victoria, Australia.
Measurements
Questionnaires provided information on weight, height, hours of care, depressive symptoms, nutritional risk and appetite. The home-based interview assessed dietary intake and shopping, cooking and meal consumption habits.
Results
The sample had a mean±SD age of 70.3±12.8 y, BMI of 27.2±4.8 kg/m2 and the time spent caring was 101.8±68.1 h/wk. Overall, 32% of caregivers had depressive symptoms, 21% were at risk of malnutrition and 21% reported their appetite was fair/bad/very bad. Caregivers with depressive symptoms (32%) compared to those with no depressive symptoms (53%) had a poorer appetite (p<0.05). Of the 20 caregivers who participated in the home interview, 25% reported they ate their meals alone.
Conclusion
A significant proportion of community dwelling older caregivers had depressive symptoms, were at risk of malnutrition and had poor appetites, although the majority were overweight or obese.
