Prevalence of depression in caregivers of stroke patients in Karachi, Pakistan

OBJECTIVES
 To determine the frequency of depression in caregivers stroke patients at a tertiary care teaching hospital Karachi Pakistan.
 METHODS 
 A cross-sectional study was conducted among stroke, who were recruited from Aga Khan University Hospital Pakistan, between January 2018 to October 2018. Data collected through Urdu Hamilton rating scale for (HAM-D-U) and it analyzed using descriptive inferential statistics.
 RESULTS
 total 136 participated study. Among them, 44.1 % male 55.9% female. The mean age 45.38 ± 10.33 years. Using HAM-D-U scale, present 64 (47.1%) caregivers. Out them (n=64), 46 (33.8%) had mild whereas 18 (13.2%) moderate depression. Depression found have significant relationship with patient (p=0.002), education level caregiver (p= 0.012), employment status (p=0.012), being sole (p=0.039), monthly family income (p=0.016).
 CONCLUSIONS
 Caring neurological disorders is highly challenging demanding. need this role may arise unexpectedly one’s life; leaving little space adjustment coping. itself can be very paralyzing sufferer especially if severe intensity. missed as are center clinical visit. Hence, strategies should designed reinforced screen along pathway an easy timely referral.