Internet Use Among Informal Caregivers of People with Dementia: Results of an Online Survey

Abstract

Informal caregivers (IC) of people with dementia (PWD) possess a greater risk of developing physical and psychological health problems. The internet was considered a promising modality to provide resources aimed at minimizing negative outcomes from caregiving. This descriptive study aims to determine the prevalence of internet use for health and caregiving-related purposes by former and current IC of PWD; and to explore caregiver and care receiver-related factors that might facilitate such use. Cross-sectional primary data was collected through a web-based survey (N = 97). The frequency of internet use for health and caregiving-related purposes varied greatly across specific purposes. Internet was more frequently used to gather information on the disorders and care provision strategies; while it was used less often to get emotional support and learn how to manage negative effects of caregiving. Regardless of the specific purpose, a frequent internet use was never observed in more than 50% of the sample. A more frequent use of internet for health and caregiving-related purposes was reported by IC classifying the care receivers’ degree of dependence as ‘total’ or ‘severe’; or assessing their own physical health as ‘much worse’ or ‘worse’ when compared to their counterparts. IC evaluating their own psychological health as ‘worse’ or ‘much worse’ when compared to their counterparts reported a more frequent use of internet resources to learn about the disease or to provide good care, but a less frequent use to get emotional support. These findings can be used to make decisions on resource distribution to IC of PWD.