Objective: To examine the prevalence of, and the factors that are associated with, depression among primary caregivers of schizophrenic patients.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Psychiatric Outpatient Department [OPD], Siriraj Hospital, and collected data from one caregiver per patient. A total of 88 caregivers were enrolled. The instruments comprised of a questionnaire for caregivers, and a structured interview that assessed the diagnostic criteria of depression, which was based on the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview [MINI]-Thai version.

Results: In the present study, the prevalence of depression among caregivers of schizophrenic patients was 11.4% (95% CI 6.3 to 19.7), comprised of major depressive episodes (4.5%) and dysthymia (6.8%). Insufficient monthly income (OR 5.11, 95% CI 1.20 to 21.64) and a medical problem of the caregiver (OR 16.07, 95% CI 1.93 to 133.51) were found to be statistically-significant results associated with caregivers’ depression.

Conclusion: The caregivers of schizophrenic patients should be given empathy and be alerted to the risk of becoming depressed, especially in the cases of those caregivers who have a medical problem and an insufficient monthly income.

Keywords: Prevalence, Depression, Caregivers of schizophrenic patient