Connecting family needs and TBI caregiver mental health in Mexico City, Mexico.

PURPOSE: This study examined relationships between caregiver mental health and the extent to which needs were met in families of individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Mexico City, Mexico.

METHOD: Sixty-eight TBI caregivers completed Spanish versions of instruments assessing their own mental health and whether specific family needs were met.

RESULTS: Twenty-seven per cent of caregivers reported clinically significant depression levels, 40% reported below-average life satisfaction and 49% reported mild-to-severe burden. Several of the most frequently met family needs were in the emotional support domain, whereas the majority of unmet needs were in the health information domain. Family needs and caregiver mental health were significantly and highly related. When family needs were met, caregiver mental health was better. The strongest pattern of connections in multivariate analyses was between family instrumental support (assistance in the completion of daily life tasks) and caregiver burden, such that caregivers with less instrumental support had greater burden. Additional results suggested that instrumental support uniquely predicted caregiver satisfaction with life, burden and depression.

CONCLUSIONS: Interventions for TBI caregivers, especially in Latin America, should help family members determine how best to meet their health information and instrumental needs, with the former being likely to improve caregiver mental health.