Caregiver Burden and Psychological Distress Among Informal Caregivers for Individuals with Dementia in the Republic of Kazakhstan: A Cross-Sectional Study

<b>Background:</b> In the Republic of Kazakhstan, informal caregivers remain the main source of patient support. Caregivers of individuals with dementia experience an increased caregiver burden and significantly higher levels of stress. We investigated the levels of caregiver burden, depression, anxiety, and stress among informal dementia caregivers and assessed the relationships between these indicators and the caregivers' socio-demographic characteristics. <b>Methods:</b> With the cooperation of two regional mental health centers and three polyclinics in Kazakhstan, we conducted a cross-sectional study of 174 informal caregivers of dementia patients. The caregiver burden was assessed using the Zarit Burden Interview, and psychological distress was measured with the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21. The caregivers' sociodemographic data were collected and analyzed. The adjusted odds ratios and 95%CIs were calculated using logistic and ordinal regressions. <b>Results:</b> Overall, 75.9% of the caregivers reported experiencing at least a mild burden, and the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress among the caregivers were higher than expected. Spousal caregivers had higher odds of abnormal depression (<i>p</i> = 0.022) and anxiety (<i>p</i> = 0.020); in severity models, spouses more often had a severe burden (<i>p</i> = 0.042) and anxiety (<i>p</i> = 0.006). <b>Conclusions:</b> Caregiver burden and psychological distress are highly prevalent among informal dementia caregivers in Kazakhstan, particularly among spouses. It is especially important to provide support for spouse caregivers. Culturally tailored psychoeducation, support groups, and respite services are urgently needed to mitigate the mental health risks faced by dementia caregivers in Kazakhstan.