Caregiving Outcomes of Sub/Urban and Rural Caregivers: The Powerful Tools for Caregivers Program

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objectives The research aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the Powerful Tools for Caregivers (PTC) program for rural caregivers. Methods A total of 160 caregivers participated in the program. Exploratory factor analysis was performed to identify latent caregiving outcomes. Paired samples t-tests were conducted to investigate changes in caregiving outcomes before and after the program. To examine geographical differences in the caregiving outcomes, independent samples t-tests were performed. Qualitative responses of the participants were also analyzed. Results Self-care and positive coping strategies were identified as latent caregiving outcomes. When comparing these two outcome scores before and after the program, the scores significantly improved. The changes in the caregiving outcomes of rural caregivers were greater than those of sub/urban caregivers. Although rural and sub/urban caregivers qualitatively reported similar themes, there were geographical differences in the percentages of caregivers reporting each theme. Conclusions The PTC program was effective in improving self-care and positive coping strategies, but the effect of the program was more pronounced in rural areas. Our findings suggest that interventions focusing on self-care and positive coping strategies may beneficially impact rural caregivers. Clinical Implications The PTC program appears promising to improve self-care strategies and enhance self-efficacy of rural caregivers.