Effects of a community intervention program for dementia on mental health: the importance of secondary caregivers in promoting positive aspects and reducing strain

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2019

Authors

Constança Paúl (Author) ICBAS; Teixeira, L (Author) ICBAS; Duarte, N (Author) Other; Pires, CL (Author) Other; Ribeiro, O (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Community Mental Health Journal

Vol. 55

Pages: 296-303

ISSN: 0010-3853

Publisher: Springer Nature

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 16 Citations

Scopus - 15 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00P-VKR

DOI: 10.1007/s10597-018-0345-6

Abstract (EN): The study presents a community intervention program targeted at caregivers of individuals with dementia, and assesses its main outcomes in terms of caregiver strain, positive aspects of care, and physical and mental health. A total of 187 caregivers completed a 10-week psychoeducational program and were assessed at baseline, post intervention and at 6-month follow-up. The evaluation of the program was performed using multivariable linear mixed effect models. Results showed an improvement in mental health, an increasing of satisfaction with care, and a lessening of caregiving strain. Nevertheless, such effects were distinctively associated with important objective circumstances of care, namely the existence of a secondary caregiver, the number of hours of care, the dependency level of the care-recipient, and the age of the caregiver. To foster wellbeing of the caregivers, intervention should particularly focus on the share of caregiving with others, and on uncovering positive aspects of care.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 8