Factors Influencing Depression Among Young Carers in Households with Disabilities : A Focus on Care-Related Variables

• Background and Purpose:

The term "Young Caregiver" generally refers to children and adolescents who provide caregiving for a family member in need of support. Caregivers of people with disabilities in South Korea have been reported to experience high levels of depression. Additionally, even young caregivers of people without disability have been found to suffer significant depression due to the burden of caregiving. However, research specifically focusing on young caregivers within households with disabilities remains scarce, and nationwide surveys in this regard have yet to be conducted. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the caregiving-related factors that influence depression among caregivers in households with disabilities, as well as to elucidate the characteristics of young caregivers in such households.

• Methods:

For the purpose, we utilized data from the "Panel Survey on the Life of Persons with Disabilities" conducted by the Korea Disability Development Institute as a nationally representative sample, covering the period of four years (from 2018 to 2021). We used pooled ordinary least squares regression analysis to identify caregiving factors associated with depression among young caregivers (under the age of 18) of with disabilities.

• Results:

Firstly, out of 8,680 children and adolescents surveyed, 5,443 responded as non-caregivers, while 3,237 responded as young caregivers. This confirms that approximately 37% of caregivers in households with disabilities, indicating a significant presence of caregivers providing care within families with disabilities. Secondly, depression scores were significantly higher among young caregivers in households with disabilities compared to non-caregiver children and adolescents.Young caregivers of people with disabilities were more likely to be in elementary school and to have a sibling relationship with a person with a disability. They also had a higher proportion of people with severe disabilities in their care, and lower household income and family strength score than the other. Thirdly, higher levels of caregiving burden and experiences of caregiving-related injury or illness were significantly associated with increased depression scores among this population.

• Conclusions and Implications:

Based on these findings, it is recommended that the government and community should actively engage with and provide interventions for young caregivers in households with disabilities. Potential strategies include conducting targeted surveys on young caregivers in these households, establishing legal frameworks for their identification and tailored support, recognizing the value of unpaid caregiving, and facilitating self-help groups. The results of this study may contribute to the development of practical support programs for families with disabilities and their young caregivers.