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Wang J, Liu W, Li X, Ma Y, Zhao Q, Lü Y, Xiao M. Examining the Social Networks Types and Their Effects on Caregiving Experience of Family Caregivers for Individuals With Dementia: A Mixed-Methods Study. Innov Aging 2024; 8:igae040. [PMID: 38859823 PMCID: PMC11163924 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igae040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Social networks are crucial to personal health, particularly among caregivers of individuals with dementia; however, different types of social networks among caregivers of those with dementia and how these differences are associated with caregiver burden and positive appraisal, remain underexamined. This study aims to depict dementia caregivers' social network types, related factors, and impact on caregiving experiences. Research Design and Methods A questionnaire-based survey was conducted with a total of 237 family caregivers of individuals with dementia nested additional semistructured interviews conducted with 14 caregivers in Chongqing, China. A quantitative study was designed to collect data on personal and situational information, social networks, caregiver burden, and positive aspects of caregiving. Qualitative data were collected via semistructured interviews. Latent class analysis and multivariate regression analyses were applied to quantitative data, and inductive content analysis to qualitative data. Results The 3 social network types-family-limited (n = 39, 16.46%), family-dominant (n = 99, 41.77%), and diverse network (n = 99, 41.77%)-differed in age and sex of caregivers and individuals with dementia, stage of dementia, and caregiving intensity. Caregivers in family-dominant networks had a lower caregiver burden (β= -0.299, p = .003) and greater positive aspects of caregiving (β= 0.228, p = .021) than those in family-limited networks. Three themes-accessibility, reciprocity, and reliance-emerged as facilitators and barriers when asking for support. Caregivers frequently cited the perception of economic, practical, and emotional support, yet reported a lack of adequate formal support from healthcare providers. Discussion and Implication Family caregivers of individuals with dementia have different social network types that vary considerably among sociocultural contexts and perceive various types of support from social networks. Solid family networks and diverse social networks are contributors to long-term dementia care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wang
- Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Weichu Liu
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuelian Li
- Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yingzhuo Ma
- Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qinghua Zhao
- Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yang Lü
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mingzhao Xiao
- Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Marques MJ. The quality of family relationships in dementia: Mixed methods to unravel mixed feelings. DEMENTIA 2024; 23:210-233. [PMID: 38100191 PMCID: PMC10807244 DOI: 10.1177/14713012231220759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Close relationships influence health and quality of life outcomes for people with dementia and their families. Yet, we know little on the role of different relationship domains with quantitative methods having proved to have limitations in this research field. We aimed to study these relationship domains over time, contrasting the views of people with dementia and their family carers, making use of both quantitative and qualitative approaches.Methods: A convergent mixed methods design was adopted, analysing longitudinal data (four time points over three years) from 66 dyads of Portuguese community-dwelling people with dementia and their primary carers, from the EU-Actifcare project sample. Quantitative assessments used sociodemographic and clinical variables, and Positive Affect Index scores, with descriptive and inferential analyses. Qualitative data, collected through individual and joint semi-structured interviews, were explored using thematic analysis.Results: Both quantitative and qualitative findings demonstrated that some domains of relationship quality are affected in different ways, with changes occurring at different stages. Some (e.g., 'communication') may even improve after initial decline. 'Closeness' was consistently altered over time, from carers' perspectives, and played an important protective role regarding institutionalisation. Overall, changes in the relationship quality were perceived differently by people with dementia and their carers, and these divergent perspectives often led to tension. Qualitative data revealed that 'mixed feelings' (ambivalence) involve complex experiences, arguably more difficult to manage than negative feelings alone. Furthermore, perceived informal support, particularly from the extended family, and receiving formal services' assistance, seemed to facilitate positive (re)appraisals of the relationship.Conclusions: A deeper understanding of relationship quality and its domains as dementia progresses may help tailoring interventions to tackle modifiable aspects of relationships, meeting the needs and cherishing the resources of dyads and families. Timely assessments could identify relationships at risk and need for support, including for alternative caring arrangements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria J. Marques
- Maria J. Marques, CHRC, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo Mártires da Pátria, 130, Lisbon 1169-056, Portugal.
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Manevich A, Rubin SS, Katz M, Ben-Hayun R, Aharon-Peretz J. Risk, Resilience, and the Two-Track Model of Dementia Grief Among Spouses of People Living With Cognitive Decline. Gerontol Geriatr Med 2023; 9:23337214231171264. [PMID: 37342766 PMCID: PMC10278413 DOI: 10.1177/23337214231171264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Pre-death grief in the context of dementia caregiving is a significant risk factor for depression, burden, anxiety, and adjustment difficulties. The Two-Track Model of Dementia Grief (TTM-DG) provides a bifocal perspective addressing the nature of the emotional attachment to a loved one living with cognitive impairment, along with a medico-psychiatric perspective associated with stress, trauma, and change in life. The aims of the present study were to empirically validate the components of the model as to identify salutary and risk factors for maladaptive grief responses. Participants were 62 spouses of people living with cognitive impairment, and a control group of 32 spouses. All completed a battery of self-report questionnaires. Structural Equation Modeling yielded six variables consistent with the TTM-DG: partner's behavioral disorders; caregiver's burden; social support; physical health; attachment anxiety; and dementia grief as an outcome measure. Additional findings addressed participants at risk for grief difficulties. The findings provide empirical support for the utility of the TTM-DG in the identification of risk factors associated with maladaptive responses and pre-death grief following a spousal cognitive decline. The TTM-DG can assist in the formulation of evidence-based evaluations and interventions to assist spouses caring for their loved ones living with dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Manevich
- International Laboratory for the Study of Loss, Bereavement and Human Resilience and the School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, Kinneret Academic College, Tzemach, Israel
| | - Simon Shimshon Rubin
- International Laboratory for the Study of Loss, Bereavement and Human Resilience and the School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Psychology, Max Stern Yezreel Valley College, Israel
| | - Michael Katz
- International Laboratory for the Study of Loss, Bereavement and Human Resilience and the School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Rachel Ben-Hayun
- Cognitive Neurology Institute, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
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Dyadic relationship, carer role, and resources: a theory-driven thematic analysis of interviews with informal carers focusing on the stability of home-based care arrangements for people living with dementia. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:908. [PMID: 36437442 PMCID: PMC9703724 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03618-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most people with dementia live at home and are supported by informal carers. During the care trajectory, the creation of a stable care situation is a guiding principle of informal carers, who often manage complex care arrangements. A recently developed theory - 'Stability of home-based care arrangements for people living with dementia' (SoCA-Dem) - conceptualises how such care arrangements develop over time, and it highlights the relevance of the dyadic relationship, carer role, and resources with regard to the continuation of home-based care throughout the course of dementia. To further explore these three concepts, and to provide feedback for a further refinement of SoCA-Dem theory, this study aims to gain a deeper understanding of (1) how informal carers perceive their dyadic relationship, their carer role, and the resources of the care arrangement, and (2) how these concepts are interrelated. METHODS This study was a secondary data analysis of n = 11 problem-centred interviews. Data were interpreted by a thematic qualitative text analysis. RESULTS The findings distinguished subthemes within the concepts and uncovered their interrelations. The kinship relation, living situation and character of the dyadic relationship shaped informal carers' self-conception of the carer role. This influenced the integration of resources into the care arrangement. Conversely, the quantity and quality of informal and formal support resulted in a feeling of relief or overload in the carer role, that shaped the informal carers' way of living their dyadic relationship. The respective forming of the concepts had a significant impact with regard to the perceived stability or instability of the care situation in the examined care arrangements. CONCLUSIONS This study provided valuable evidence for future research alignment and targeted refinement of the SoCA-Dem theory. Scholars should further explore the specifics of spousal versus parent-child-dyads to better understand the dyads' diverse strategies in the creation of stable home-based care arrangements. Furthermore, future research should focus on the complex dynamics of dyads, family networks, and service providers, and all actors' perspectives should be integrated in SoCA-Dem theory. Based on this growing knowledge base, innovative care interventions and structures should be developed to support people with dementia and their informal carers in better living and caring in the place of their choice.
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Marques MJ, Tan EYL, Woods B, Jelley H, Kerpershoek L, Hopper L, Irving K, Bieber A, Stephan A, Sköldunger A, Sjölund BM, Selbaek G, Røsvik J, Zanetti O, Portolani DM, Marôco J, de Vugt M, Verhey F, Gonçalves-Pereira M. Trajectories of relationship quality in dementia: a longitudinal study in eight European countries. Aging Ment Health 2022; 26:2307-2315. [PMID: 34486887 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2021.1969641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Relationship quality (RQ) between a person with dementia and a family carer may influence their health and quality of life. However, evidence regarding its course and influencing factors is limited. We aimed to explore RQ trajectories in dementia, and identify predictors of change. METHODS We analysed longitudinal data from a cohort of 350 community-dwelling people with dementia and their informal carers, participating in the Actifcare study in eight European countries. The Positive Affect Index, rated separately by both people with dementia and their carers, assessed RQ. Other measures included the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (regarding persons with dementia), and the Relative Stress Scale, Sense of Coherence Scale and Lubben Social Network Scale (for carers). Trajectories and influencing factors were explored applying a latent growth model (LGM). RESULTS RQ in the group of carers declined over 1 year, but RQ scores for the persons with dementia did not change. Higher stress in carers negatively influenced their baseline RQ ratings. Carer sense of coherence and being a spouse were associated with more positive baseline RQ carer assessments. Higher levels of neuropsychiatric symptoms were linked to decline in carers' RQ, whereas social support was associated with more positive RQ trajectories. CONCLUSION This study provides a valuable insight into the course of RQ. LGM proved useful to explore the factors that influence RQ trajectories and variability within- and between-persons. Our findings emphasise the importance of carer-perceived social support and sense of coherence, and of reducing neuropsychiatric symptoms, in maintaining a good RQ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria J Marques
- Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), CEDOC, Nova Medical School/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Eva Y L Tan
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology and Alzheimer Centre Limburg, School for Mental Health and Neurosciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Reinier van Arkel Mental Health Institute, 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
| | - Bob Woods
- Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) Wales, School of Health Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | - Hannah Jelley
- Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) Wales, School of Health Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | - Liselot Kerpershoek
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology and Alzheimer Centre Limburg, School for Mental Health and Neurosciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Louise Hopper
- School of Psychology, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kate Irving
- School of Nursing, Psychotherapy and Community Health, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anja Bieber
- Institute for Health and Nursing Science, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Astrid Stephan
- Institute for Health and Nursing Science, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Anders Sköldunger
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Britt-Marie Sjölund
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Geir Selbaek
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Ageing and Health, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg; Department of Geriatric Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Janne Røsvik
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Ageing and Health, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg; Department of Geriatric Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Orazio Zanetti
- Alzheimer's Research Unit-Memory Clinic, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - João Marôco
- William James Center for Research, Instituto Superior de Psicologia Aplicada - Instituto Universitário (ISPA-IU), Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Marjolein de Vugt
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology and Alzheimer Centre Limburg, School for Mental Health and Neurosciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Frans Verhey
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology and Alzheimer Centre Limburg, School for Mental Health and Neurosciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Manuel Gonçalves-Pereira
- Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), CEDOC, Nova Medical School/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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Cheng ST. Two sides of the same coin? Revisiting the relationship between burden and positive aspects of caregiving in dementia. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2022; 37. [PMID: 35861261 DOI: 10.1002/gps.5786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Studies have shown that items on the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) purported to measure self-criticism do not correlate well with the other items. Examination of item content suggests they may be measuring mixed sentiments-both positive and negative-about caregiving. This study examined whether self-criticism is related to positive aspects of caregiving (PAC) in a way that is different from caregiver strain, and if so, which types of PAC. METHODS/DESIGN The baseline data of two Alzheimer caregiver intervention studies were merged (N = 225). Based on previous factor analysis, 2 ZBI items formed the self-criticism measure while 16 ZBI items measured global strain. PAC was assessed by coding caregivers' narratives about positive gains into seven themes (relationship gains, growth, insights, competence/mastery, purpose, emotional rewards, and miscellaneous). RESULTS Global strain was mildly associated with fewer total PAC, in a way consistent with the literature, and with less competence/mastery. However, self-criticism was associated with stronger relationship gains and purpose. Younger caregivers reported more relationship gains but less emotional rewards. Longer caregiving duration was associated with more growth, but the reverse was true for chronic illnesses. Additionally, relationship closeness was associated with more emotional rewards, whereas care-recipient neuropsychiatric symptoms and functional impairment were associated with fewer relationship gains and emotional rewards respectively. CONCLUSION Thinking one is not doing enough may indicate feelings of inadequacy/guilt but may also signal devotion to the relative and a sense of purpose in the caregiving role. Analyzing total burden and PAC scores may obscure the relationships between their components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheung-Tak Cheng
- Department of Health and Physical Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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van den Broek B, Rijnen S, Stiekema A, van Heugten C, Bus B. Factors related to the quality and stability of partner relationships after traumatic brain injury: A systematic literature review. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2022; 103:2219-2231.e9. [PMID: 35395254 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2022.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The latest literature review on partner relationships following traumatic brain injury (TBI), conducted a decade ago, discussed solely quantitative work and noted significant knowledge gaps. The current review updates and expands on this work by providing an overview of the current state of knowledge on factors related to relationship quality and stability following TBI. DATA SOURCES CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, APA PsycINFO, and PubMed were searched on April 23, 2020, for literature on factors associated with 1)relationship quality and 2)relationship stability following TBI. STUDY SELECTION English quantitative and qualitative studies investigating factors associated with relationship quality and/or stability following TBI were included. Two reviewers independently assessed eligibility. If consensus was not reached, a third reviewer's conclusion was decisive. Forty-three studies were included. DATA EXTRACTION Information regarding study objectives and characteristics, participant demographics, (in)dependent variables, and main findings was extracted. Study quality was rated using the JBI Checklist for Analytical Cross Sectional Studies and/or the CASP Checklist for Qualitative Research. Both were performed by the lead reviewer and checked by the second reviewer. DATA SYNTHESIS Thirty-eight factors related to relationship quality and/or stability were identified, covering injury characteristics (e.g., severity), body functions (e.g., personality changes), activities (e.g., communication), participation (e.g., social dependence), environment (e.g., children), and personal factors (e.g., coping strategies). CONCLUSIONS Relationship quality and stability following TBI are found to be related to a multitude of factors, including newly identified factors such as personality changes and dependence. Future research may wish to quantitatively investigate factors thus far only identified in qualitative research, explore possible positive effects of TBI on relationships, study the experiences of same-sex couples, and include the perspectives of both partners with and without the injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda van den Broek
- Multidisciplinary Specialist Centre for Brain Injury and Neuropsychiatry, GGZ Oost Brabant, Boekel, the Netherlands; School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Limburg Brain Injury Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Sophie Rijnen
- Multidisciplinary Specialist Centre for Brain Injury and Neuropsychiatry, GGZ Oost Brabant, Boekel, the Netherlands; Limburg Brain Injury Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Annemarie Stiekema
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Limburg Brain Injury Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Caroline van Heugten
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Limburg Brain Injury Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Boudewijn Bus
- Multidisciplinary Specialist Centre for Brain Injury and Neuropsychiatry, GGZ Oost Brabant, Boekel, the Netherlands; Limburg Brain Injury Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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Satisfaction with caregiving among informal caregivers of elderly people with dementia based on the salutogenic model of health. Appl Nurs Res 2021; 62:151507. [PMID: 34815003 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnr.2021.151507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The main objective was to analyze the variables Sense of Coherence, Resilience and Emotional Regulation as predictors of satisfaction with care in caregivers of older adults people with dementia. METHODS An ex post facto cross-sectional study design with a single group. The data were collected between June and October 2020.63 caregivers of older adults people with severe dementia participated, by responding to questionnaires concerning the study variables during a telephone interview. Information was also collected regarding the characteristics of the care provided (years of evolution, degree of dementia, index of independence) and regarding the caregiver (age and years of caregiving) which will be analyzed as control variables. The data were analyzed using correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS The participants presented average levels for Sense of Coherence, Resilience, Emotional Regulation (M = 16.93) and a high degree of Satisfaction with care. Sense of Coherence was the main predictor of Satisfaction with care, explaining up to 67% of the variance, through its Significance and Comprehensibility dimensions. Although the Resilience variable presented a significant association with Satisfaction, its role in the predictive model was displaced by Sense of Coherence. CONCLUSIONS Sense of Coherence and Resilience are relevant psychological variables because of their positive relationship with satisfaction with care among caregivers of older adults people with dementia. The caregivers' perception of the significance and comprehensibility of the situation are important positive predictors of their satisfaction with the care of older people with dementia. These results are suggestive to guide the follow-up and psychological support of caregivers.
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López-Martínez C, Orgeta V, Frías-Osuna A, Del-Pino-Casado R. The mediating role of sense of coherence on mental health outcomes in carers of older dependent relatives: A longitudinal study. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2021; 36:722-730. [PMID: 33184903 DOI: 10.1002/gps.5472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sense of coherence (SOC) is an important protective factor for carer well-being but research to date remains cross-sectional, focusing primarily on the direct effects of SOC on carers' mental health. The study's aim was to investigate the mediating role of SOC in the longitudinal relationship between caregiver strain and carers' psychological health, and its stability over time. METHODS Prospective longitudinal study conducted in Jaén (Spain) with a probabilistic sample of 132 carers of older people, with data collected at baseline and at 1-year follow-up. We measured SOC, caregiver strain, anxiety and depressive symptoms, and several care-recipient characteristics and intensity of care provided. We used multiple linear regression modelling and the Sobel test to analyse mediation effects. RESULTS SOC was significantly negatively longitudinally associated with both anxiety (β = -0.38, p = 0.001) and depressive symptoms (β = -0.28, p = 0.023), after controlling for several confounders. SOC mediated both the relationship between caregiver strain and anxiety, and caregiver strain and depressive symptoms (Sobel test: p < 0.001 for anxiety and p < 0.001 for depressive symptoms). Differences between baseline and 1-year follow-up SOC scores were not statistically significant (p = 0.617). CONCLUSIONS SOC appears to buffer the impact of caregiver strain on symptoms of depression and anxiety in informal carers of older people. Our data showed that SOC is an important psychological resource for carers that remained relatively stable under non-experimental conditions over a period of 1 year in this sample. The findings suggest that interventions aimed at strengthening SOC may protect carer psychological well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vasiliki Orgeta
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Antonio Frías-Osuna
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain
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Lima S, Sevilha S, Pereira MG. Quality of life in early-stage Alzheimer's disease: the moderator role of family variables and coping strategies from the patients' perspective. Psychogeriatrics 2020; 20:557-567. [PMID: 32212217 DOI: 10.1111/psyg.12544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM This study assessed the effects of sociodemographic and psychological variables on quality of life (QOL), as well as the moderator role of family variables and coping strategies in the relationship between psychological morbidity and QOL, based on patients' perspective. METHODS This study used a cross-sectional design. A total of 158 patients with early Alzheimer's disease completed the Mini-Mental State Examination, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Ways of Coping Questionnaire, the Spiritual and Religious Attitudes in Dealing with Illness, the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales, the Family Satisfaction Scale, the Family Communication Scale, the Barthel Index, and the Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease Scale. RESULTS Being a man, having a higher education, and engaging in more exercise activity were associated with better QOL. Lower levels of cognitive impairment, psychological morbidity, and spirituality predicted better QOL. Also, lower levels of functionality, family communication, family satisfaction, and family functioning contributed to worse QOL. Gender, psychological morbidity, and functionality contributed significantly to QOL. Family satisfaction, family communication, and coping strategies moderated the relationship between psychological morbidity and QOL. CONCLUSION Intervention in early-stage Alzheimer's disease should focus on patients' coping strategies and family context, particularly family satisfaction and communication, to foster QOL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Lima
- School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
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