Depression in caregivers of patients having dementia before and after a psychoeducational course, cairo

Abstract

Background The efficacy and effectiveness of family psychoeducation as an evidence-based practice have been established. Systematized use of family psychoeducation in routine clinical practice is alarmingly limited worldwide and in Egypt. Aim This study aimed to assess the degree of depression in caregivers of patients having dementia before and after an intensive psychoeducational course with skill-training tailored and modified to suit their emotional and behavioral needs. Participants and methods Fifty caregivers of dementia patients in the Geriatrics Department Outpatient Clinic, Ain Shams University, Cairo, were assessed after written informed consent had been obtained from them. A score equal to or below 24/30 on the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and International Classification of Disease, version 10, criteria were used to diagnose dementia patients. The activity of daily living (ADL) scale was also used and scored. The caregivers were assessed before and after a psychoeducational course using Beck’s depression inventory II. Their occupational level was described as per the family socioeconomic scale. Statistics were analyzed using SPSS (version 16). Results Caregivers experienced a reduction in Beck’s depression inventory II score. The average decrease was 3.6 points after psychoeducation. There were correlations and associations between decrease in depression scores after psychoeducation and age and occupation of caregivers, higher MMSE scores, and lower ADL impairment in patients with dementia. Conclusion Psychoeducation improves depression scores more in young working caregivers of patients with dementia with higher MMSE and lower ADL impairment.