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Effects of a community intervention program for dementia on mental health: the importance of secondary caregivers in promoting positive aspects and reducing strain

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Abstract

The study presents a community intervention program targeted at caregivers of individuals with dementia, and assesses its main outcomes in terms of caregiver strain, positive aspects of care, and physical and mental health. A total of 187 caregivers completed a 10-week psychoeducational program and were assessed at baseline, post intervention and at 6-month follow-up. The evaluation of the program was performed using multivariable linear mixed effect models. Results showed an improvement in mental health, an increasing of satisfaction with care, and a lessening of caregiving strain. Nevertheless, such effects were distinctively associated with important objective circumstances of care, namely the existence of a secondary caregiver, the number of hours of care, the dependency level of the care-recipient, and the age of the caregiver. To foster wellbeing of the caregivers, intervention should particularly focus on the share of caregiving with others, and on uncovering positive aspects of care.

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Acknowledgements

The “Caring for the Caregiving” project was promoted by the Centre for Social Services for Elderly and Children in Sanguêdo (CASTIIS) and supported by a research funding from the Portuguese High Commissioner of Health (ACS), by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (FCG) and by the City Council of Santa Maria da Feira. Authors would like to thank all professionals from the EDV region involved in the implementation of the program, and to Soraia Teles and Daniela Brandão for their contributions in writing this document. A special thanks also to Madalena Malta (CASTIIS).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. CINTESIS.ICBAS, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal

    Constança Paúl, Natália Duarte & Cátia L. Pires

  2. CINTESIS.ICBAS and EPIUnit-ISPUP, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal

    Laetitia Teixeira

  3. CINTESIS.UA, Departament of Education and Psychology of the University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal

    Oscar Ribeiro

  4. ICBAS, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal

    Oscar Ribeiro

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  1. Constança Paúl
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  2. Laetitia Teixeira
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Correspondence to Oscar Ribeiro.

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The authors declare that there are no known conflicts of interest. All authors certify that they accept responsibility for conducting the study and for the analysis and interpretation of the data, that they all helped writing the manuscript, and that they meet the definition of author as stated by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors. All authors declare they have seen and approved the final manuscript.

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Paúl, C., Teixeira, L., Duarte, N. et al. Effects of a community intervention program for dementia on mental health: the importance of secondary caregivers in promoting positive aspects and reducing strain. Community Ment Health J 55, 296–303 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-018-0345-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-018-0345-6

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