Caring of caregivers organically (COCO): Health education for Latinas caring for a family member with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundLatinos have a 1.5 times greater chance of having Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia (ADRD) as compared to their non‐Latino White counterparts. Higher prevalence is attributed to having longer life spans and more health‐related risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. Those who assume caregiving for persons with ADRD are also affected. Affected by higher levels of caregiver burden and lower general health as compared to non‐Latino Alzheimer’s caregivers, Latinos are at larger disadvantage, considering the already existing health disparities in the community. Latino Alzheimer’s caregivers experience more bodily pain and somatic symptoms than non‐Hispanic White caregivers.MethodData were obtained from a mixed methods study that used focus groups of caregivers and other stakeholders to adapt a culturally responsive health education intervention. Participants (n = 20) for the adapted intervention pilot were randomized into the intervention or control group. The Promotoras de Salud peer educator model was used to carry out the intervention. Feasibility and acceptability were measured using qualitative data collected during a final focus group and a satisfaction questionnaire. Using T‐tests, pretest and post‐test data collected were analyzed to compare changes in health‐related self‐efficacy (measured on Chronic Disease Self‐Efficacy Scales), health behaviors (measured on Family Habits Scale), caregiver burden (measured on Zarit Burden Interview), and depressive symptoms (measured on CES‐D).ResultPhase I and II have rendered an 8‐week adapted intervention for Latinas that care for a family member/loved one with ADRD. Analysis of Phase III (pilot) of the study is currently underway.ConclusionThere are few established evidence‐based, culturally responsive interventions for Latino families. With the expected exponential growth of the Latino population and prevalence of ADRD, targeting health/healthcare disparities and supporting protective cultural factors is crucial for improving health and mental health outcomes of these caregivers. The pilot‐study will offer preliminary data to help determine if health education with the use of promotoras for Latina ADRD family caregivers is a viable, means of intervening with this highly vulnerable population.