Conclusion
depressive disorder, depressive symptoms, MDD, depression, disability
We found a high prevalence of depressive symptoms and depression among household members of chronic care patients with MDD. The overall paucity of resources presently available to households – coupled with difficulties in social support, overall health, and disability – make a collective case for the importance of interventions that address these complexities. While certain forms of aid may be unavailable in rural Malawi, depression care interventions could directly consider household dynamics, the role of social support and social networks in shaping trajectories, and even extend treatment to household members who screen positive for depressive disorder.