Factors relating to depressive symptoms of caregivers for older care recipients in Indonesia

Objectives:Family care is a large part of an informal workforce and there are increasing unmet demands for ageing populations, particularly in low and middle-income country settings. This study investigates relationships and care requirements for older care recipients and their caregivers within the household and identifies factors relating to depressive symptoms among caregivers of older persons.Method: Data were derived from the Indonesian Family Life Survey (IFLS Wave 5). Multiple logistic regressions were used for analyses. Outcomes were Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D score ≥10 as having moderate to severe depressive symptoms).Results: Over half of care recipients aged 50 years and over reported requiring intermediate or high-level care intensity. Primary caregivers were most often spouses for older males and adult children for older females. Factors associated with depressive symptoms among caregivers were not working (adjusted odds ratio, AOR 1.86; 95% Confidence Interval 1.19– 2.90), primary school education (AOR 5.01; 1.96–12.8), living in rural area (AOR 1.38; 1.01–1.88), and having multiple older care recipients in the household (AOR 1.98; 1.43–2.75). Having care recipients with medium or high functional limitation levels (AORs 2.27; 1.51–3.42 and 3.36; 2.00–5.63, respectively) and not receiving household co-resident support were associated with caregivers' depressive symptoms (AOR 1.32; 1.01–1.89).Conclusion: To meet the anticipated future demands for elderly care, addressing factors relating to depressive symptoms, especially amongst those not working, low education, living in rural areas could help mitigate adverse effects for caregivers. Caregivers could benefit from the provision of adequate support, including screening for depressive symptoms.