Depressive Symptoms and Associated Factors Among Caregivers of Cancer Patients Attending Public Hospitals in Addis Ababa, Central Ethiopia: A Hospital Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background: According to a report by the World Health Organization in 2018, depression affected approximately 350 million people worldwide, although by 2030 it will be the leading cause of the disease burden. Objectives:This study is aimed at assessing the prevalence and associated factors of depression among caregivers of cancer patients at Saint Paul Hospital Millennium Medical College, Ethiopia. Methods:An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 622 adult caregivers of cancer patients attending Saint Paul Hospital Millennium Medical College, Ethiopia, from May 1 to 30, 2019 by using a standard, structured, and preteed questionnaire.The predictors were established via multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: In the current study, about 49% (95% CI: 46.6–54.0%) of caregivers of cancer patients had depression. Being female [AOR= 2.46; 95% CI: 1.25-4.05], having no formal education [AOR= 2.06, 95% CI: 1.07-3.96], being spouse to the cancer patients [AOR= 2.76; 95% CI: 1.37-5.59], and having poor social support [AOR= 2.11; 95% CI: 1.11-3.78] were factors significantly associated with depression at p-value < 0.05. Conclusion: About half of the respondents had depression. Being female, having a lack of formal education, being a spouse to the cancer patients, and having caregivers with poor social support were all found to be determinants of depression.