Effect of an Educational Program on Care Burden and Quality of Life for Caregivers of Patients Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract

Purpose: This study was undertaken to determine the effect of planned education upon the quality of life and care burden for caregivers of patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Materials and Methods: This study, a planned pre-test post-test model with semi-experimental design, was undertaken with the caregivers for 60 patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Data were collected using Information Request Form, Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) and WHOQOL-BREF Quality of Life Scales. Caregivers were divided into groups of 10 participants each and a 45–60 minute planned educational program on caring for Alzheimer’s patients was provided to each group in 5 sessions. ZBI and Quality of Life Scales were again administered to the caregivers in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd months following completion of the education. Results: Results were assessed using percentage distributions, Chi-square test, and Pearson Correlation analysis. Care burden of caregivers for Alzheimer’s patients decreased following the planned education and there was a significant and negative correlation between care burden and quality of life. As care burden decreased, quality of life increased (p<0.05). Conclusion: A planned educational program reduced the care burden experienced by caregivers for Alzheimer’s patients and affected their quality of life positively. It is recommended that planned education programs be reinforced with continuous counseling services in order to minimize the care burden experienced by these caregivers and to maximize their quality of life. Keywords: Alzheimer disease; Caregiver; Care burden; Quality of life DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/75-06