Caregiver Depression in a Low-Resource Setting: Socio-Demographic Predictors of Major Depressive Disorder Among Family Caregivers of Breast Cancer Patients in Pakistan

NCT06992167 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: RHF-04-2024
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 402
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 4

Brief Summary

This cross-sectional study aims to assess the prevalence of depression among primary caregivers of breast cancer patients within low-resource country like Pakistan. Caregiving for individuals with breast cancer can be physically and emotionally demanding, often leading to psychological distress, including depression. However, there is limited data from low- and middle-income countries, including Pakistan, where caregivers may face additional socioeconomic and systemic burdens. This study seeks to quantify the burden of depression in this population and explore associated sociodemographic and caregiving-related factors. Findings will help inform psychosocial support strategies and interventions to improve caregiver well-being in resource-constrained environments.

Conditions

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Prevalence of depression among caregivers of breast cancer patients

  Depression will be assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), a validated screening tool. The PHQ-9 consists of 9 items, each scored from 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day), for a total score range of 0 to 27. Higher scores indicate worse depressive symptoms. Depression severity will be categorized as follows: 0-4: Minimal 5-9: Mild 10-14: Moderate 15-19: Moderately Severe 20-27: Severe The proportion of caregivers falling into each category will be reported.

  At a single time point during caregiver recruitment (cross-sectional assessment within 6 months of study initiation)

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 15 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population will consist of primary caregivers of breast cancer patients receiving treatment in public or private healthcare facilities in low-resource settings of Pakistan. Caregivers include family members or individuals who are directly involved in providing physical, emotional, or financial support to the patient.

You may qualify if:

• Primary caregiver of a patient diagnosed with breast cancer at any stage
• Male or female caregiver
• Aged 15 years or older
• Providing physical, emotional, or financial support to the patient
• Willing to give informed consent

You may not qualify if:

• Paid caregivers (professional or hired help)
• Age under 15 years
• Unwilling to provide consent or participate in the study
• Incomplete or missing essential data required for analysis

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Rahmah Health Foundation: lead

Study Sites (4)

Ayub Teaching Hospital

Abbottabad, Pubjab, Pakistan

Location

Nishtar Medical University and Hospital

Multan, Punjab Province, Pakistan

Location

Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center

Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan

Location

Benazir Bhutto Hospital

Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Depressive Disorder, Major

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Depressive Disorder; Mood Disorders; Mental Disorders

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: OTHER
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Director

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 17, 2025
• First Posted: May 28, 2025
• Study Start: May 1, 2024
• Primary Completion: April 30, 2025
• Study Completion: May 10, 2025
• Last Updated: May 28, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-05

Locations

PA (4)