Relationship between Caregiver Burden and Depression among Primary Caregivers of Stroke Patients: A Descriptive Study

Aim: This research investigates the levels of burden and depression experienced by primary caregivers of stroke survivors and analyzes their association.Material and Method: This descriptive investigation enrolled 92 primary caregivers of stroke patients receiving care in a university hospital setting, specifically its neurology intensive care unit (ICU), stroke center, and outpatient clinic, between March 2021 and September 2022.Participant data was gathered using a Sociodemographic Data Form, the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (ZCBI), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).Results: Caregivers' mean ZCBI and BDI scores were 41.0210.12and 25.5910.32,respectively.Statistical analysis revealed no significant correlation between Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (ZCBI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores.Sociodemographic factors (excluding kinship) showed no significant association with burden or depression (p>0.05).However, kinship degree influenced ZCBI and BDI scores (p<0.05):non-family caregivers reported lower burden.Caregivers exhibiting minimal depressive symptoms reported significantly lower burden scores (ZCBI) than those with higher levels of depression.(p<0.05). Conclusion:Primary caregivers exhibited moderate burden and depression levels, but no causal connection between these phenomena was identified.However, lower depression levels were correlated with reduced caregiving burden.Notably, kinship -rather than other sociodemographic factors-significantly influenced outcomes, highlighting the critical role of emotional and relational dynamics in caregiving.These findings underscore the need for psychosocial support programs that address relationship-specific challenges and integrate routine depression screenings.By advancing the understanding of how caregiver burden and depression interact -and emphasizing kinship's unique impact-this study calls for further exploration of relational factors to tailor interventions effectively.