How common are depressive symptoms among caregivers of vulnerable children in Malawi, and what factors are associated with their occurrence?

The emotional well-being of caregivers of vulnerable children may be affected by a variety of stressors inside and outside of the household. The extent to which caregivers’ emotional well-being is compromised may have implications for the children they are caring for, placing them in an even more vulnerable position.

Project SOAR explored the prevalence of and factors associated with depressive symptoms among caregivers of vulnerable children in Malawi. This brief describes the caregivers’ characteristics and prevalence of depressive symptoms. In addition, it explores relationships between these symptoms, social support, and stressors such as economic and food insecurity, HIV status, HIV-related stigma. It also explores the relationship between depressive symptoms and antiretroviral therapy adherence among caregivers living with HIV.