Burden among Relatives of Individuals with Depression in Southern Thailand: A University Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Survey

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the levels of burden, social support, and mental health among Thai relatives of individuals with depression, and to explore factors associations with the burden. Material and Methods: From March to July 2022, a cross-sectional study surveyed Thai relatives of individuals with depression at Songklanagarind Hospital. The questionnaires inquired about 1) demographic data, 2) Zarit burden interview- Thai version, 3) Thai version General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28), and 4) Revised Thai Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (rMSPSS). The data were analyzed using the descriptive statistic method, and multiple logistic regression. Results: There were 139 relatives of individuals with depression who participated in this study. The majority of them were female (69.1%) with a mean age of 49.8±12.6 years. According to the Thai GHQ-28, most participants (90.6%) had no probable psychiatric or psychological distress. Most of them (86.3%) had little or no burden. There were no participants who reported having a severe burden, only three participants (2.2%) had a moderate to severe burden. They had a high level of perceived social support in connections to the subgroups of family and friends. The factors associated with the mild and moderate burden of relatives were the status of the relationship, psychological distress, and perceived social support in the subgroup of family. Conclusion: Most relatives of individuals with depression reported little or no burden, no psychological distress, and receiving a high level of social support. Status of relationship, psychological distress, and perceived social support were associated factors with the mild and moderate burden of relatives.