Learning needs of family caregivers in the Japanese working generation who care for community-dwelling people with dementia: A qualitative research study

Abstract

Objective: This study investigated and described the learning needs experienced by family caregivers in the Japanese working generation who care for community-dwelling people with dementia (PWD). Methods: This qualitative descriptive study conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews to explore the learning needs experienced by the family caregivers of PWD. 18 family caregivers were recruited via purposive sampling (age range 30-60 years) from two medical facilities, two self-help groups, and 10 prefectural-sponsored counseling facilities in Japan. The collected data were subjected to a qualitative content analysis. Then, the derived learning needs were independently reviewed by two nursing researchers with expertise in qualitative research and family nursing. The Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) recommendations were followed. Results: Four main categories and 20 subcategories were derived to clarify the learning needs of family caregivers in the Japanese working generation who care for community-dwelling PWD. The four main categories included (a) increasing long-term care literacy, (b) dispelling the negative images associated with dementia and long-term care, (c) working on long-term care as a unified team that handles issues concerning caregiving for dementia, and (d) promoting an active role as a member of society. Conclusions: This study clarified specific learning needs that family caregivers in the Japanese working generation experience when caring for community-dwelling PWD, thus, contributing to a more thorough understanding of the associated challenges. In addition, the structured list of learning needs should aid health professionals when conducting assessments and planning interventions, especially when framing these issues from the cultural perspective.