Jiali Wang1, Wei Du2. 1. PhD, postdoctoral fellow, Data61, CSIRO, Canberra. 2. PhD, Epidemiologist and biostatistician, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra.
Abstract
METHOD: The 2015 national 'Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers in Australia' was used to derive a nationally representative sample and estimate weighted prevalence rates of high psychological distress (Kessler scores ≥22) in primary carers of people with disability. Risk factors were evaluated using weighted logistic regression models with lasso techniques. RESULTS: Approximately 27% of carers had high psychological distress. Nearly half of the study population reported changes in their health and wellbeing. A delay in general practitioner (GP) visits was common and associated with >2-fold increase in risk of high psychological distress. DISCUSSION: The findings suggest targets for early diagnosis and intervention, and adequate referrals from GPs to meet the health needs of carers.
METHOD: The 2015 national 'Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers in Australia' was used to derive a nationally representative sample and estimate weighted prevalence rates of high psychological distress (Kessler scores ≥22) in primary carers of people with disability. Risk factors were evaluated using weighted logistic regression models with lasso techniques. RESULTS: Approximately 27% of carers had high psychological distress. Nearly half of the study population reported changes in their health and wellbeing. A delay in general practitioner (GP) visits was common and associated with >2-fold increase in risk of high psychological distress. DISCUSSION: The findings suggest targets for early diagnosis and intervention, and adequate referrals from GPs to meet the health needs of carers.
Authors: Kenny D Lawson; Jo-An Occhipinti; Louise Freebairn; Adam Skinner; Yun Ju C Song; Grace Yeeun Lee; Sam Huntley; Ian B Hickie Journal: Front Psychiatry Date: 2022-04-29 Impact factor: 5.435
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