Appropriateness in acquiring a family caregiver interview from older adults with suspected cognitive impairment

Abstract

This study attempted to identify the factors associated with the completion of a family caregiver interview among a sample of older adults with suspected cognitive impairment. From a random-digit dial methodology, we identified 3,726 individuals ≥ 70 years of age with a family caregiver living in Arkansas. Of that number, 730 (19.6%) screened positive for suspected cognitive impairment. Of those who screened positive, we collected complete data on 532 (73% completion rate). Of these 532 participants, we gathered complete data on 376 of their family caregivers (71% completion rate).We developed a multivariate logistic regression model that estimated correlates (sociodemographic, accessibility, awareness, and utilization of services, and health status characteristics) of the older adults with suspected cognitive impairment and a family caregiver who completed an interview. Multivariate analysis found that a complete caregiver interview was associated with being male, engaging in more face-to-face contact with family members other than the family caregiver, having more visits to the physician (excluding a psychiatrist) and having more difficulties performing instrumental activities of daily living. This paper discusses the implications of using telephone interviews to collect and evaluate data on the health status and health service needs of older adults with suspected cognitive impairment. Findings suggest the importance of completing a concomitant interview with a family caregiver. Health care policymakers and providers may want to pay particular attention to older adults with fewer family contacts when planning access to care services.