Abstract
Background
The Benefit-Finding Intervention, a face-to-face psychoeducation program with a focus on the positive meanings of caregiving, has been found to reduce depressive symptoms and burden in dementia family caregivers. The program was revamped into a computer-delivered web-based program to enable 24/7 access without location restriction. This study evaluates the efficacy of this new online program called Positive Dementia Caregiving in 30 Days (PDC30).
Methods
A 2-arm (PDC30 vs waitlist control) parallel-group randomized controlled trial will be conducted. Target sample are 200 mildly depressed dementia family caregivers with internet access and fluency in English, who will be recruited globally through advertisements on social media and e-mails to service agencies. The primary outcome is depressive symptom whereas secondary outcomes are anxiety symptoms, burden, and positive gains, all collected at baseline and 1, 2 and 3 months. The treatment x time (both linear and quadratic) interaction effects will be examined using mixed-effect regression. In addition, possible therapeutic mechanisms via strengthened self-efficacy in controlling upsetting thoughts and positive reappraisal coping will be examined in a mediation path model.
Conclusion
If positive treatment effects are found, the potential public health benefits, given its ease of access, universal availability and flexible approach, of this online intervention are considerable.
Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT06409455. Date of registration: May 7, 2024; updated May 12, 2024 (version 2). Issue date: May 13, 2024 Prospectively registered.