Mental health in carers with cardiovascular disease

Background: Little is known about the mental health of carers who have physical health conditions. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of adult carers with and without cardiovascular disease and their mental health status in Scotland's population using an independent dataset. Methods: Data from the Scottish Health Surveys for 2012 and 2013 were analysed. Information on demographics, lifestyle, regular care provided and mental health was obtained. Chi-square tests, t-tests and survey-weighted logistic and multinomial regression modelling were performed to test the associations among the study variables, between the exposure and the outcome accordingly. Results: The percentage of people providing care in the entire study sample (n=1721; 17.7%) is similar to those with cardiovascular disease (n=662; 18.0%) and those without (n=1059; 17.5%). The Scottish regions with the highest proportion of adult carers are Borders, Orkney and Lanarkshire. Carers with cardiovascular disease we...