Online training and support program (iSupport) for informal dementia caregivers: protocol for an intervention study in Portugal

• Tipo: Artigo em Revista Científica Internacional
• Data: 2020

Autores

Teles, S (Autor) Outra; ferreira, a (Autor) FMUP; Seeher, K (Autor) Outra; Freel, S (Autor) Outra; Constança Paúl (Autor) ICBAS

Revista

Título: BMC Geriatrics

Vol. 20

ISSN: 1471-2318

Editora: Springer Nature

Indexação

ISI Web of Knowledge - 14 Citações

Scopus - 18 Citações

Outras Informações

ID Authenticus: P-00R-M95

DOI: 10.1186/s12877-019-1364-z

Abstract (EN): Background Informal caregivers (IC) of people with dementia (PwD) are at greater risk of developing physical and mental health problems when compared to the general population and to IC of people with other chronic diseases. Internet-based interventions have been explored for their potential to minimize the negative effects of caring, accounting for their ubiquitous nature, convenient delivery, potential scalability and presumed (cost) effectiveness. iSupport is a self-help online program developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to provide education, skills training and support to IC of PwD. This paper describes the design of an intervention study aimed at determining the effectiveness of a Portuguese culturally adapted version of iSupport on mental health and other well-being outcomes. Methods The study follows an experimental parallel between-group design with two arms: access to the five modules and twenty-three lessons of "iSupport" for three months (intervention group); or access to an education-only e-book (comparison group). One hundred and eighty four participants will be recruited by referral from national associations. Inclusion criteria are: being 18 years or older and provide e-consent; being a self-reported non-paid caregiver for at least six months; of a person with a formal diagnosis of dementia; being skilled to use internet; and experience a clinically relevant level of burden (>= 21 on Zarit Burden Interview) or depression or anxiety symptoms (>= 8 on Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). Data is collected online, resorting to self-administered instruments, at baseline, 3 and 6 months after baseline. The primary outcome is caregiver burden, measured by the Zarit Burden Interview. Symptoms of depression and anxiety, quality of life, positive aspects of caregiving and general self-efficacy are secondary study outcomes. The data analysis will follow an Intention-to-treat (ITT) protocol. Discussion This protocol is an important resource for the many organizations in several countries aiming to replicate iSupport. Findings from this intervention study will offer evidence to bolster an informed decision making on scaling up iSupport as a new intervention program with minimal costs aimed at minimizing the psychological distress of IC of PwD in Portugal and elsewhere.

Idioma: Inglês

Tipo (Avaliação Docente): Científica

Nº de páginas: 13