The effectiveness of an online training and support program for family caregivers of people with dementia in China: Randomized controlled trial (Preprint)

Abstract

Dementia affects the memory, thinking, behavior, and daily functioning of people, with approximately 55 million people worldwide with dementia as of 2019, increasing by one new case every three seconds. In China, over 90% of people with dementia are cared for at home due to cultural values of filial piety. However, the support system for family caregivers is underdeveloped, leading to various health issues. The World Health Organization's 'iSupport for Dementia' program aims to support family caregivers and reduce their burden. Despite its adoption in 31 countries, iSupport in China is in early development, necessitating localized support programs.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Chinese version of iSupport, an online caregiving skills training and support program originally developed by the World Health Organization for family caregivers and people with dementia.

A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 81 Chinese family caregivers of people with dementia, divided into an intervention group (n = 41) and a control group (n = 40). The primary outcome, health-related quality of life, was assessed at baseline (T0), immediately after the intervention (T1, 3rd month), and three months post-intervention (T2, 6th month). Social support, self-efficacy, caregiving burden, and the quality of life and memory and behavior problems of people with dementia were also evaluated. Comparisons were made using a repeated-measures analysis of the variance model.

Sixty-four caregivers completed the study (32 in each group). The intervention group showed significant improvements in mental-related quality of life (p<0.05), self-efficacy (p<0.001), social support (p<0.001), and caregiving burden (p<0.001) compared to the control group. The intervention also significantly improved the quality of life for people with dementia (p<0.001). No significant differences were found between groups regarding the memory and behavior problems of people with dementia (p>0.05).

The online iSupport program significantly improves the quality of life, self-efficacy, and social support of Chinese family caregivers of people with dementia while reducing the caregiving burden. The study suggests that diverse intervention content, including treatment, rehabilitation, and caregiving, alongside continuous support, can alleviate the condition of people with dementia.

This study is registered in the Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=381061&isReview=true ID: ACTRN12621000276853.