Abstract

Caregivers of people living with HIV in Thailand face tremendous caregiver burden. This study examines complex ways in which caregivers' mental health affects their levels of caregiver burden. This study uses data from 409 caregivers of PLH in northern and north-eastern Thailand. Multiple regression models were used to examine the predictors of caregiver burden. Depression was significantly associated with caregiver burden and being HIV positive. Inverse associations were observed between depression and quality of life and caregiver burden and quality of life. Social support had direct positive association with caregiver's quality of life. Our findings underscore the complex relationship between caregiver burden, depression and HIV-status. Interventions that address the caregiver burden are urgently needed. © 2009 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.