EFFECTIVE INTERVENTIONS FOR QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS: A META-ANALYSIS. (11th November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lee, M; Ryoo, J; Crowder, J; Williams, I
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 2(2018)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 292
• Page End: 292
• Publication Date: 2018-11-11
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igy023.1076
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: Numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with the goal of improving caregiver Quality of Life (QoL) that reflect health and well-being have been conducted. However, it is unclear what type of intervention is most effective. Moreover, participant and intervention characteristics were rarely examined in the studies of caregiver QoL. The aims of this meta-analyses were to (1) evaluate the effectiveness of different types of interventions on the QoL of caregivers of individuals with dementia, and (2) explore participant and intervention characteristics that influence interventions' effect. A systematic search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library electronic databases was conducted to find RCTs published from 2005 to 2017. A total of 28 RCTs were included. Multicomponent interventions with 898 participants (Hedges G = 0.491; 95% CI = [0.220, 0.762]; p<0.001) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with 421 participants (Hedges G = 0.498; 95% CI = [0.129, 0.867]; p= 0.008) showed a moderate and large effect on improving caregiver's QoL. Older age (β = −0.044; p= 0.004; average age 60.26) and longer duration of intervention (β = −0.021; p= 0.039; average duration 21 weeks) contributed to a smaller effect, and interventions conducted in developing countries showed a larger effect (Qb = 5.12; p=0.024). Interventions addressing complex caregiver needs or reconstructing caregivers' maladaptive emotion and behaviors may be the most effective methods for enhancing caregiver QoL. Future studies are needed to identify the most effective duration of these intervention and to develop interventions for caregivers who are relatively older ages.