Exploring resilience and well-being of family caregivers of people with dementia exposed to mandatory social isolation by COVID-19

Family resilience and caregiver's well-being across different age groups of children with ADHD in the United States: a cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the impact of family resilience on caregiver well-being across various age groups of children diagnosed with ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) groups (0-5, 6-11, and 12-17 years).

METHODS

Utilizing secondary data from the 2022 US National Survey of Child Health, this cross-sectional study involved 2,752 children who were formally diagnosed with ADHD. Statistical analysis included descriptive analysis, Spearman's rank correlation, chi-square tests, and linear regression, conducted using SPSS version 27.

RESULTS

The study revealed a moderate positive correlation (r=.35, p<.001) between family resilience and caregiver well-being. Controlling for covariates, family resilience accounted for 25.2%, 21.1%, and 22.1% of caregiver well-being variance in age groups 0-5, 6-11, and 12-17 years, respectively. Additionally, factors like employment status, family structure, and caregiver age showed varying influences on caregiver well-being across these developmental stages. A consistent pattern emerged across these age groups: unemployment and non-traditional family structures were associated with negative impacts on caregiver well-being, whereas older caregiver age positively influenced well-being.

CONCLUSION

This research underscores the importance of age-specific family resilience strategies to improve caregiver well-being and family interactions in ADHD contexts. Investigating these aspects through qualitative studies across various cultures could deepen our understanding of well-being and inform culturally sensitive interventions.

Psychometric evaluation of the Chinese version of new fear of the coronavirus questionnaire

The fear of COVID-19 significantly impacting the health of people globally. This study translated newly developed measurement tool New Fear of the Coronavirus Questionnaire (New_FCQ) into Chinese language and evaluated the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of New_FCQ among Chinese population. A total of 522 participants were included in the study. Internal consistency, construct validity, criterion validity, and concurrent validity of the Chinese version of New_FCQ were assessed in this study. The Chinese version of New_FCQ had excellent internal consistency (α = 0.97) and exploratory factor analysis demonstrated one-dimensional structure of the Chinese version of New_FCQ. The preliminary criterion validity revealed statistically significant differences in the fear of COVID-19 scores based on age and education level (P = .002 and P = .03, respectively). The good concurrent validity also established with the Chinese version Fear of COVID-19 Scale(P < .001). Psychometric proportions of the Chinese version of New_FCQ were established, which exhibited sufficient validity and reliability among Chinese population.

Experiential COVID-19 factors predicting resilience among Spanish adults

BACKGROUND

The pandemic caused by COVID-19 has meant for spanish citizens a constant adaptation to health measures in order to try to stop transmission of the virus. During this adaptation process, different psychosocial aspects have caused consequences for people?s mental health to a greater or lesser extent. Makes sense of an emotional torrent who has gone through fear, anxiety, loneliness and anger. The interaction between perception and reality has given rise to situations where loneliness and social isolation have been imposed and lived with a load of emotional discomfort. In others, social isolation and measures to stop the pandemic have been accepted as a protection system and has been experienced since serenity and the feeling of self-protection fostering individual resilience. Studying the predictors of resilience is going to be key since it is the ideal antidote to stop the appearance of mental disorders associated with the pandemic (such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, social phobia, cleaning obsessions, and generalized anxiety disorder). The objective of this research is to analyze the relationship between resilience and experiential COVID-19 factors.

METHODS

Sample was comprised of Spanish adults (n = 1000; age 18-79 [mean =40.43],793 female, 201 male, and 2 non binary sex). These people participating in an online study focused on the impact of COVID-19 experiences. The research has been cross-sectional, descriptive and correlational design. The instrument created for this research was a specific online questionnaire, including the "Scale of resilience" (RS, Wagnild & Young, 1993, Spanish version, Sánchez-Teruel, et al., 2015). That questionnaire has been administered during the months of April 2022 to July 2022.

RESULTS

The results obtained show how people who have been able to face the pandemic in a responsive and adaptive way have high resilience. Specifically, those participants that accepting the use of masks, vaccinations and confinement obtained high resilience.

CONCLUSIONS

Using public funding and allocating research to the development of programs to promote resilience, adaptative beliefs and prosocial behaviors becomes basic to live in a world in constant change.

In the Shadow of COVID-19: The Well-Being and Rights of People Living with Dementia in Finland During the Pandemic

BACKGROUND

Exceptional circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic increase the risk for vulnerability among people living with dementia.

OBJECTIVE

This article discusses the well-being and rights of people living with dementia in Finland during the pandemic and analyses the legal framework covering the restrictions of their rights during that period.

METHODS

The empirical research comprises a survey of persons with dementia (n = 31) and their family members (n = 168). The participants completed a total of 13 survey items involving questions about their well-being during the pandemic, restrictions on freedom, access to services, information on pandemic regulations and guidelines as well as possible problems with authorities. The survey included both multiple choice and open-ended questions.

RESULTS

According to people with dementia and their family members, by spring 2021, the pandemic had reduced meaningful activities available to people living with dementia in Finland and decreased the number of meetings between them and other people. Many reported a decline in their physical and/or mental well-being or greater difficulty or delays in accessing social and health services. Over a third of respondents found that the right to meet people was restricted among people with dementia, and almost half of the respondents took the view that their freedom of movement was restricted. There were also major shortcomings in terms of information on restrictions.

CONCLUSION

The results highlight the importance of bearing in mind the negative effects that restrictions on mobility, meeting other people and meaningful activities can have on the well-being of people living with dementia. This should be considered, for example, when reforming legislation.

Relationship between Resilience and Caregiver Burden Among Home Caregivers of COVID-19 Patients

This study examined caregiver burden among home caregivers of COVID-19 patients and its relationship to resilience. This cross-sectional correlational study was conducted in Mashhad, Iran, in 2020. The sample consisted of 220 family caregivers of COVID-19 patients. The data collection tools included: demographic characteristics, Novak and Guest Caregiver Burden Inventory, and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and correlation test in SPSS v25. The mean score of caregiver burden was 76.85±16.25. In total, 4.5% experienced mild caregiver burden, 31.4% moderate caregiver burden, 50.9% severe caregiver burden, and 13.2% very severe caregiver burden. The mean score of resilience was 62.98±14.06. A significant and inverse relationship was observed between caregiver burden and resilience (p < 0.05, r = -0.46). Family caregivers of COVID-19 patients experienced a significant level of caregiver burden, and it was lower in caregivers with higher levels of resilience. Further studies are recommended in this regard. The use of procedure and training that can improve the resilience of caregivers is recommended to nurses, especially home care nurses.

A systematic review and psychometric evaluation of resilience measurement scales for people living with dementia and their carers

Psychometrically sound resilience outcome measures are essential to establish how health and care services or interventions can enhance the resilience of people living with dementia (PLWD) and their carers. This paper systematically reviews the literature to identify studies that administered a resilience measurement scale with PLWD and/or their carers and examines the psychometric properties of these measures. Electronic abstract databases and the internet were searched, and an international network contacted to identify peer-reviewed journal articles. Two authors independently extracted data. They critically reviewed the measurement properties from the available psychometric data in the studies, using a standardised checklist adapted for purpose. Fifty-one studies were included in the final review, which applied nine different resilience measures, eight developed in other populations and one developed for dementia carers in Thailand. None of the measures were developed for use with people living with dementia. The majority of studies (N = 47) focussed on dementia carers, three studies focussed on people living with dementia and one study measured both carers and the person with dementia. All the studies had missing information regarding the psychometric properties of the measures as applied in these two populations. Nineteen studies presented internal consistency data, suggesting seven of the nine measures demonstrate acceptable reliability in these new populations. There was some evidence of construct validity, and twenty-eight studies hypothesised effects a priori (associations with other outcome measure/demographic data/differences in scores between relevant groups) which were partially supported. The other studies were either exploratory or did not specify hypotheses. This limited evidence does not necessarily mean the resilience measure is not suitable, and we encourage future users of resilience measures in these populations to report information to advance knowledge and inform further reviews. All the measures require further psychometric evaluation in both these populations. The conceptual adequacy of the measures as applied in these new populations was questionable. Further research to understand the experience of resilience for people living with dementia and carers could establish the extent current measures -which tend to measure personal strengths -are relevant and comprehensive, or whether further work is required to establish a new resilience outcome measure.

Caregiving for People With Dementia or Cognitive Impairment During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a major source of stress for informal caregivers for people with dementia. Studies show the unique challenges caregivers face, such as social isolation, extended work hours, and adherence to public health guidelines. We conducted a narrative review of factors impacting well-being of informal caregivers of older adults with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sixty-four papers were identified as published between June 2020 and December 2021. All studies were conducted in the U.S. or other Western countries and were cross-sectional and conducted prior to COVID-19 vaccines. Articles highlighted increasing burdens such as financial and physical stress, as well as worsened psychological well-being from anxiety and depression. Protective factors such as social support and telehealth interventions also emerged. Limitations include lack of longitudinal information to identify broader themes on caregiving during the pandemic. Studies not only identified new, pandemic-related risk factors, but also a heightened effect of pre-existing risk factors (e.g., income, living situation) on caregiver burden.

A multidimensional approach to the resilience in older adults despite COVID-19

Researchers have mainly focused on aging risk factors and COVID-19 consequences. However, older adults have proved their ability to overcome adversities along their life. Resilience is a protective variable that dampens the impact of stress. Based on MacLeod’s et al. (2016) approach, we aimed to analyze the relationship between older adults’ resilience and COVID-19 related-stressors as well as their physical, mental, and social characteristics. Eight hundred eighty-nine people aged 60 and over participated in this study. Older participants, women, having better perceived health and not losing a loved one because of the virus were associated with more resilience. Moreover, higher levels of gratitude, personal growth, life purpose and lower levels of depression were associated with greater scores in resilience. This study offers a change of perspective in which aging is perceived from a positive viewpoint by focusing on easily accessible resources that may help older adults to cope with adverse situations.

The Effect of a Tele-Health Intervention Program on Home-Dwelling Persons with Dementia or MCI and on Their Primary Caregivers during the Stay-at-Home-Order Period in the COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak: Evidence from Taiwan

Background: The Taiwanese government implemented a stay-at-home order that restricted all community-based health promotion activities for the elderly by shutting down all community care centers from May 2021 to August 2021 to control the spread of COVID-19. Community-based dementia care centers were barely able to provide dementia care services during that period. Methods: The data used in this study were collected from a community-based dementia care center that was able to continue their dementia care services through a Tele-Health intervention program. The difference-in-differences methodology was applied to evaluate the effects of the Tele-Health intervention program on home-dwelling persons with dementia or mild cognitive impairment and on their primary caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: The Tele-Health intervention program significantly increased the well-being of the participants and their primary caregivers, but the negative correlations between the Tele-Health intervention program and family functioning were also found to be significant. Conclusions: The significant substitution (negative) effects between the Tele-Health intervention program and family functioning raises the concern that promotion of the Tele-Health intervention program comes at the potential cost of a loss of family functioning. Policymakers should be cautious when considering the Tele-Health intervention program in response to pandemics and demographic transitions.

Self-Concept as a Mediator of the Relation Between University Students' Resilience and Academic Achievement

Academic achievement is a factor of interest in both psychology and education. Determining which factors have a negative or positive influence on academic performance has produced different investigations. The present study focuses on analyzing the relationship between resilience, emotional intelligence, self-concept and the academic achievement of university students. For this purpose, different self-report tools were administered to a sample of 1,020 university students from Southern Spain. The Structural Equation-based mediational analysis suggests that there is no direct relationship between resilience and academic achievement, nor between emotional intelligence and academic achievement. Likewise, self-concept is positioned as a mediating factor in the relationship between resilience and academic achievement. The findings indicate that university students who exhibit high levels of resilience tend to cope better with difficult moments and understand and value the effort required and invested in study time. This study supports positive beliefs and behaviors for better academic achievement.

Bienestar emocional y resiliencia en profesionales de la educación social durante el confinamiento por la COVID-19

La pandemia de COVID-19 y las medidas de confinamiento resultantes han impactado en la salud física y mental de la población de diferentes maneras. Como profesionales esenciales, los educadores sociales que trabajan en centros de atención residencial para niños y jóvenes han tenido que hacer frente a presiones adicionales como las medidas de confinamiento domiciliario y tener que continuar su trabajo en circunstancias excepcionales. Para evaluar el impacto de las medidas de cierre en el bienestar emocional y la resiliencia de los educadores sociales, se realizó un estudio exploratorio ex post facto basado en una muestra de 72 educadores sociales (30,6% hombres y 69,4% mujeres) que trabajan en centros residenciales de protección de la infancia en Cataluña. La encuesta recogió datos sobre el bienestar emocional (PANAS y SWLS) y la resiliencia (RS-14), y también los datos sociodemográficos de los participantes. Los resultados muestran valores similares en relación con el bienestar emocional y la resiliencia, sin diferencias significativas entre las categorías sociodemográficas. Se encontró una correlación positiva entre el equilibrio afectivo, la satisfacción vital y la resiliencia. Las conclusiones del estudio ponen de manifiesto la necesidad de apoyar el bienestar emocional de los educadores sociales promoviendo su capacidad de resiliencia, teniendo en cuenta la ya de por sí compleja tarea de atención socioeducativa a la infancia y adolescencia en acogimiento residencial, y la dificultad adicional del confinamiento.