Both patient and caregiver gender impact depressive symptoms among organ transplant caregivers: who is at risk and why?

This study investigated the impact of patient and caregiver gender on caregiver depressive symptoms. Caregivers' use of relationship-focused coping and dimensions of caregiver burden were examined as potential mediators of gender differences in depressive symptoms. Ninety-three organ transplant candidates and their caregivers completed written questionnaires (N = 186). Females providing care to male patients reported significantly higher depressive symptoms than the other caregivers in our sample. Multiple mediation analyses revealed that less support from family members and a greater negative health impact of caregiving helped explain these gender differences. Women caring for men were also perceived as more overprotective, but this did not explain gender differences in depression. Results highlight the benefits of a contextual, dyadic approach to studying caregiver distress.