Depressive symptoms and risky behaviors in informal dementia caregivers in Cyprus

Background

Dementia, the seventh leading cause of death, is a major contributor to disability and dependency in older adults and places a substantial burden on health and social care systems.This study investigated the prevalence of depressive symptoms among informal caregivers and their associations with sociodemographic factors and substance use, including tobacco, alcohol, prescription drugs, and illicit substances.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 42 informal caregivers in Cyprus (response rate: 87.5%). Data were collected using self-report questionnaires assessing sociodemographic and caregiving characteristics, substance use (TAPS Tool 2), and depressive symptoms (CES-D). Group differences were examined using Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests, associations with Spearman’s correlation, and predictors with multiple linear regression.

Results

Elevated depressive symptoms were reported by 42.9% of participants. Caregivers without a partner reported significantly higher depressive symptom levels (p = .002). Regression analysis showed that lack of caregiving support (β = 0.49, p = .001), not living with a partner (β = 0.27, p = .039), and living status (β = 0.67, p = .001) were significant positive predictors, whereas more caregiving hours were associated with lower depressive symptom levels (β = -0.49, p = .003). Alcohol use was reported by 38.1% and tobacco use by 4.8% of participants, with no reported use of prescription drugs or illicit substances. Higher alcohol consumption was observed among caregivers with higher education (p = .004) and those without children (p = .006). No other significant associations were found.

Conclusions

A substantial proportion of informal caregivers experience elevated depressive symptoms, associated with caregiving support, living arrangements, and relationship status. These findings highlight the need for targeted mental health support for informal caregivers.

Key messages

• A high proportion of informal dementia caregivers experience elevated depressive symptoms, highlighting a critical need for targeted mental health support.

• Alcohol use was common and associated with higher education and absence of children, indicating distinct patterns of risky health behaviors among caregivers.