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Depression, nutritional risk and eating behaviour in older caregivers
S J Torres1, M McCabe, C A Nowson
1Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, 3125, Australia.
Objective:
This study investigated the relationship between depression, nutritional risk and dietary intake in a population of older caregivers.
Design:
Mailed questionnaire with sub group participating in a home-based interview.
Participants And Setting:
Seventy-six community dwelling caregivers aged 50 y or over from Victoria, Australia.
Measurements:
Questionnaires provided information on weight, height, hours of care, depressive symptoms, nutritional risk and appetite. The home-based interview assessed dietary intake and shopping, cooking and meal consumption habits.
Results:
The sample had a mean +/- SD age of 70.3 +/- 12.8 y, BMI of 27.2 +/- 4.8 kg/m2 and the time spent caring was 101.8 +/- 68.1 h/wk. Overall, 32% of caregivers had depressive symptoms, 21% were at risk of malnutrition and 21% reported their appetite was fair/bad/very bad. Caregivers with depressive symptoms (32%) compared to those with no depressive symptoms (53%) had a poorer appetite (p < 0.05). Of the 20 caregivers who participated in the home interview, 25% reported they ate their meals alone.
Conclusion:
A significant proportion of community dwelling older caregivers had depressive symptoms, were at risk of malnutrition and had poor appetites, although the majority were overweight or obese.
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