Depression, nutritional risk and eating behaviour in older caregivers

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&plusmn;SD age of 70.3&plusmn;12.8 y, BMI of 27.2&plusmn;4.8 kg/m2 and the time spent caring was 101.8&plusmn;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&lt;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.<br /