A text message intervention to support latino dementia family caregivers (CuidaTEXT): feasibility study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objectives To test the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of CuidaTEXT: a bidirectional text message intervention to support Latino dementia family caregivers. Methods CuidaTEXT is a six-month, bilingual intervention tailored to caregiver needs (e.g., education, problem-solving, resources). We used convenience sampling and reached 31 potential participants via clinics, registries, community promotion, and online advertising. We enrolled 24 Latino caregivers in a one-arm trial and assessed feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy within six months. Results None of the participants unsubscribed from CuidaTEXT and 83.3% completed the follow up survey. Most participants (85.7%) reported reading most text messages thoroughly. All participants reported being very or extremely satisfied with the intervention. Participants reported that CuidaTEXT helped a lot (vs not at all, a little, or somehow) in caring for their care recipient (71.4%; n = 15), for themselves (66.7%; n = 14), and understanding more about dementia (85.7%; n = 18). Compared to baseline, at six months caregiver behavioral symptom distress (0–60) decreased from 19.8 to 12.0 and depression (0–30) from 8.8 to 5.4 (p < .05). Conclusions CuidaTEXT demonstrated high levels of feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy among Latino caregivers. Clinical implications CuidaTEXT’s feasibility and potential for widespread implementation holds promise in supporting Latino caregivers of people with dementia.