# Analysis of Correlates and Trends in Caregivers’ Mental Health Pre- and COVID-Onward From the HINTS, 2018-2022

## TL;DR

This study finds that caregivers have higher mental distress than non-caregivers, with risk factors changing over time, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

## Contribution

The study identifies how caregiving status and associated mental health risks evolved before and during the pandemic.

## Key findings

- Caregivers had higher mean PHQ-4 scores than non-caregivers (p<.01).
- Caregiving status was significantly linked to mental distress both pre-COVID and during the pandemic.
- Education level and health status were significant predictors of mental distress at different time points.

## Abstract

To compare correlates of mental distress among caregivers versus non-caregivers, and evaluate trends in caregivers’ mental distress pre- versus COVID-onward.

This cross-sectional study used nationally representative data from multiple cycles of the Health Information National Trends Survey (2018 to 2022; n = 15,318). We characterized sociodemographic, health, and caregiving characteristics and estimated logistic regression models evaluating correlates of mental distress among the full sample and pre- and COVID-onward.

Caregivers reported a higher mean PHQ-4 score than non-caregivers overall (|t|=2.88, p<.01). Caregiving status was significantly associated with mental distress pre-COVID (OR = 1.47; 95%CI=1.13-1.92; p<.01) and COVID-onward (OR = 1.51; 95%CI=1.01-2.26; p<.05). Being in fair or poor health status was associated with a higher likelihood of mental distress pre-COVID (OR = 2.58, 95%CI=1.31-5.09, p < 0.01) while having a college education or higher was associated with a lower likelihood of mental distress COVID-onward (OR = 0.46, 95%CI=0.21-0.99, p< .05).

Caregiving status continues to be a significant risk factor for mental distress. Factors significantly associated with mental distress among caregivers change over time. Findings suggest the COVID-19 pandemic may continue to present risks to caregivers’ mental wellbeing, requiring development and implementation of policies and programs to address caregiver mental health.

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12760094