Religiousness and major depression among bereaved family caregivers: a 13-month follow-up study

Objective: To examine the association between a multi-item measure of religiousness and major depressive disorder (MDD) in bereaved family caregivers of patients with cancer. Design: A prospective longitudinal study of primary caregivers of consecutive patients (n=175) with cancer enrolled in the largest hospice in Connecticut. Results: Caregivers with a high religiousness summary score were significantly less likely to have MDD at the 13-month follow-up interview (OR=0.79, 95% Cl: 0.68-0.91). This finding remained significant (OR=0.74, 95% Cl: 0.59-0.91) after adjustment for caregiver MDD at baseline, caregiver age, caregiver burden, and number of activities restricted due to caregiving roles. Conclusions: Family caregivers who reported greater religiousness at baseline had lower rates of depression in the 13-month follow up after their loss. Collaboration with religious support groups or community groups during bereavement could offer an effective mechanism for speeding the process of recovery for some caregivers.