ABSTRACT

This study aims to explore the association of depressive symptoms with the informal social support network reported by dementia caregivers participating in a community-based caregiver support program. Caregivers in a community-based dementia caregiver program completed an intake assessment, including the social support network instrument. Measures were completed for caregivers’ social support network, using the social support network instrument (SSNI). Measures also included depression, caregiver strain, basic activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, and demographics. Findings suggest the effects of social supports and social network on caregivers’ depressive symptoms. Caregivers who had financial supports were less likely to have depressive symptoms. Also, the frequency of contact among social network variables predicted the decrease of depressive symptoms.

摘要

本研究旨在探讨抑郁症状与参与以社区为基础的照顾者支持计划的痴呆照顾者报告的非正式社会支持网络的关联。以社区为基础的痴呆照护者计划中的照护者完成了一项摄入评估，包括社会支持网络工具。使用社会支持网络工具（SSNI）完成了照顾者社会支持网络的测量。措施还包括抑郁症、照顾者压力、日常生活的基本活动、日常生活的工具性活动和人口统计。研究结果表明社会支持和社会网络对照顾者抑郁症状的影响。有经济支持的看护人不太可能出现抑郁症状。还，