Information Messages Related to Mental Health Status Among Caregivers in Rural of Thailand

This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the Mental Health Status and the relationship between socioeconomic background and mean scores of mental health variables among Caregivers (CG) in Maha Sarakham province, Northeast of Thailand. A total of 402 CGs were recruited from 32 sub-districts in 13 districts to participate with interviewing form. Data analysing used descriptive statistics and Chi-square test for the relationship of the socioeconomic and the level of mental health status of caregivers. The results shown that; 99.77% were female, age average 49.89+8.14 (range 23-75), spent time look after the elderly for average 3 days per week, worked experience for 1-4 years (mean=3.27+1.66 years). Over 59 % have lower income than 150 USD. The gender of CG was a mainly statistically significant with the mental health status (MHS) (p=0.003). Although, the other variables were not significantly statistics test, however, it found that all variables indicated in the poor level of mental health status. Therefore, the stakeholders who involves with CG should have concern to reduce their burnout, regardless of compensation as well as set up the potential of family caregivers or young carers to help the elderly in the community.