Socioeconomic Factors and Depressive Symptoms Among Caregivers of Visually Impaired Individuals in South Africa

TL;DR

This study explores how socioeconomic factors affect depression in caregivers of visually impaired people in rural South Africa.

Contribution

The study identifies specific socioeconomic and demographic factors linked to depressive symptoms in caregivers of visually impaired individuals in Limpopo, South Africa.

Findings

29.2% of caregivers reported moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms.

Unmarried caregivers had higher odds of depressive symptoms compared to married caregivers.

Lower income and lower education levels were associated with increased depressive symptoms.

Abstract

Caregiving for visually impaired individuals imposes substantial psychological, social, and financial burdens. This study examined depressive symptoms among family caregivers in rural Limpopo, South Africa, and their associations with sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 253 informal caregivers (response rate: 85.5%). Data on age, gender, marital status, education, employment, income, and socioeconomic status were collected. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the full 20-item Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and associations were analysed using chi-square tests, Cramer’s V, and logistic regression. Moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms were reported by 29.2% of caregivers, with 28.1% experiencing mild-to-moderate symptoms. Male caregivers were less likely to report minimal symptoms (OR = 0.3; 95% CI: 0.12–0.65). Caregivers aged 50–59 years were more likely to report lower depressive symptoms (OR = 1.3). Unmarried caregivers had higher odds of depressive symptoms compared with married caregivers (OR = 2.3). Education was protective: secondary education was associated with lower odds of severe symptoms, while primary education significantly increased risk (OR = 18.1). Lower-income caregivers tended to report higher depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms among caregivers are influenced by gender, age, marital status, education, and income. Interventions such as psychosocial support, financial assistance, and community-based respite services are essential to reduce caregiver burden.

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