Analysis of Depression and Stress Trends of Families Receiving Basic Life Support for Dementia Patients: Based on the Community Health Survey in 2015, 2016 and 2017

Background/Objectives: The purpose of this study is to identify the relations between the depression and the stress of the family with low income who are living with the patient with dementia and to utilize it as basic data to develop the health promotion program for the efficient management of the depression and stress in the family with low income.

Method/Statistical Analysis: The subjects of the study were the first analysis of 685,391 people over 45 years-old by requesting raw data from the Community Health Survey from 2015, 2016 and 2017. Trend analysis was conducted.

The statistical software R program was used for data analysis, and frequency analysis and chi-square analysis were conducted for the general characteristics, health behaviors, chronic diseases, depression, and stress according to the dementia patients and their living families. Performed linear to linear coupling were used for the yearly trend analysis. Logistic regression analysis was performed to analysis the factors related to depression as a dependent variable of family members living with dementia.

Findings: The yearly trend analysis showed an increase in hypertension with men over 75 years old, and housewives and smoking decreased (p<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed depression as a dependent variable, and the higher the educational background, the higher the level of education in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries compared to housewife or unemployed (p<0.05).

Improvements/Applications: In conclusion, asystematic free counselling program for the management of chronic diseases, depression and stress for the elderly aged of 75 or older who are taking care of low-income and dementia patients is urgently needed.