Internet use among informal caregivers of people with dementia: results of an online survey

• Type: Article in International Conference Proceedings Book
• Date: 2020

Authors

Teles, S (Author) Other; Constança Paúl (Author) ICBAS; ferreira, a (Author) FMUP

Conference proceedings International

Title: Communications in Computer and Information Science

Pages: 44-55

2nd International Workshop on Gerontechnology, IWoG 2019

4 September 2019 through 5 September 2019

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 4 Citations

Scopus - 4 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00R-S9P

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-41494-8_5

Abstract (EN): Informal caregivers (IC) of people with dementia (PWD) possess a greater risk of developing physical and psychological health problems. The internet was considered a promising modality to provide resources aimed at minimizing negative outcomes from caregiving. This descriptive study aims to determine the prevalence of internet use for health and caregiving-related purposes by former and current IC of PWD; and to explore caregiver and care receiver-related factors that might facilitate such use. Cross-sectional primary data was collected through a web-based survey (N = 97). The frequency of internet use for health and caregiving-related purposes varied greatly across specific purposes. Internet was more frequently used to gather information on the disorders and care provision strategies; while it was used less often to get emotional support and learn how to manage negative effects of caregiving. Regardless of the specific purpose, a frequent internet use was never observed in more than 50% of the sample. A more frequent use of internet for health and caregiving-related purposes was reported by IC classifying the care receivers¿ degree of dependence as `total¿ or `severe¿; or assessing their own physical health as `much worse¿ or `worse¿ when compared to their counterparts. IC evaluating their own psychological health as `worse¿ or `much worse¿ when compared to their counterparts reported a more frequent use of internet resources to learn about the disease or to provide good care, but a less frequent use to get emotional support. These findings can be used to make decisions on resource distribution to IC of PWD. © Springer Nature Switzerland AG. 2020.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific