Are Family Caregiving Programs Appropriate for Minority Caregivers? A Systematic Review of 37 Caregiving Programs.

Abstract

The extent to which dementia caregiving programs are effective among racially or ethnically diverse caregivers is unknown. Limited information about program effectiveness for minority caregivers may further exacerbate health disparities and contribute to unmet needs. Guided by the PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review aimed to determine whether 37 evidence-based dementia caregiving programs were efficacious with racially and ethnically diverse caregiving populations. Using six databases (APA PsycINFO, APA PsycArticles, Academic Search Elite, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, and Scopus), 140 empirical studies were identified as program evaluation studies of the 37 programs with diverse populations. After reviewing these articles, 24 empirical studies supported 11 programs as efficacious with racially/ethnically diverse populations. The 24 studies form three categories: no program alterations; targeted recruitment efforts; and program adaptations that address culturally specific needs. The findings of this review underscore the gaps in current family caregiving programs and identify the need for culturally appropriate programs.