Family Caregivers Of Persons Research Articles

Factors associated with caregiver burden among family members of persons with schizophrenia in urban communities of China.

Family caregivers bear a heavy burden while providing care for those with schizophrenia, and they frequently play an important role in this regard. The present study examined the degree of caregiver burden and characteristics related to it among family caregivers of persons with schizophrenia in Chinese urban settings. Between August 2023 and June 2024, a cross-sectional study was conducted of 401 family caregivers of persons with schizophrenia living in metropolitan settings. The following measures were administered: the Zarit Burden interview (ZBI), General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), and Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ). Linear regression analyses were used to identify independent correlates of caregiver burden. Family caregivers of persons with schizophrenia had an average ZBI score of 32.90(SD = 17.53) on a 0-88 scale, with the majority (80.0%) reporting moderate caregiver burden (scores of 21-39). The person with schizophrenia's marital status (not married), impulsive or aggressive conduct in the previous year, the caregiver's physical health (poor), and not having multiple caregivers were all independent correlates of caregiver burden. Family caregivers of persons with schizophrenia experience a moderate level of caregiver burden. To lessen the psychological suffering of and strain on caregivers, it is important to intervene early on impulsive and aggressive conduct of persons with schizophrenia, effectively treat physical health problems of caregivers, and strengthen the social support system or otherwise provide assistance to those caring for persons with schizophrenia.

Feelings of Empowerment Scale for Family Caregivers: Development, Exploratory, and Confirmative Analysis

ABSTRACT Objectives This study aimed to validate a measure of feelings of empowerment among family caregivers of persons with life limiting illnesses. Methods Family caregivers (N = 295) completed a survey on their feelings of empowerment and psychosocial constructs. Results Utilizing exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, the study validated the Empowerment in the Context of Caregiving scale, revealing a two-factor structure related to influencing the care recipient and controlling personal outcomes, with high reliability and validity. Convergent validity was supported by a strong association with an established measure of power. Discriminant validity was demonstrated through weak associations with theoretically less relevant constructs, confirming the scale’s validity. Conclusions This scale provides a reliable tool to identify feelings of disempowerment among caregivers, with implications for theory and practice. Future research should explore predictive validity and consider cultural factors to enhance its applicability in diverse caregiving contexts. Clinical Implications This study provides a reliable tool to identify feelings of empowerment among family caregivers of persons with life limiting illnesses for clinicians. It also allows future studies to reliably investigate a theory-driven intervention target, feelings of power, and allows clinicians to tailor this into theory-driven intervention for family caregivers of persons with life limiting illnesses.

Unmet Needs and Factors Impacting Home- and Community-Based Service Use Among Rural Appalachian Caregivers of People With Alzheimer's and Dementia.

Family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) living in rural areas face significant health and healthcare challenges. Limited research, however, has explored factors shaping their use of home- and community-based services (HCBS). This study identifies unmet needs among caregivers of people with ADRD in rural Western North Carolina and highlights contextual factors that facilitate HCBS use. Nineteen qualitative interviews were conducted with 21 family caregivers and 1 person with ADRD between 2021 and 2022. Thematic analyses revealed unmet needs among caregivers for information, service navigation, and caregiving support. HCBS use was shaped by multiple factors including illness needs, cultural beliefs, preferences for home-based care, and place-based resources. These findings suggest that culturally tailored HCBS are needed to support people with ADRD and their caregivers in rural Appalachian communities, especially those which facilitate access to paid caregiving, clearly communicate program eligibility requirements, and emphasize service availability.

2218 Experience of family caregivers for older patients with delirium: a qualitative study

Abstract Background Delirium is associated with psychological and cognitive complications that have impacts beyond the patients. Although family members and carers can play a significant role in the management and recognition of delirium, there is limited research on the experience of family caregivers in the context of delirium. This study aims to explore the needs and experiences of family caregivers for a person with delirium and offer suggestions to support them. Method A qualitative interview study with family caregivers of persons with delirium. Data were analysed using an abductive analysis approach. Results Fourteen family caregivers were interviewed. Carers explained their feeling of responsibility to support their loved ones with delirium, however, they perceived their caregiving role negatively because of increasing demands and the lack of sufficient support. Carers attributed their emotional exhaustion and distress to the onset of delirium, change in the personality of the person with delirium, confusion and progression of delirium. Additionally, carers indicated the negative impact of caregiving on the quality of the relationship between them and person with delirium. This highlights the need to enhance the support provided to carers to mitigate the emotional and relationship impact of caregiving on the carer. We identified the needs of carers for people with delirium including: education on delirium, reassurance, information on care pathways and support from formal carers to take breaks. Conclusions Viable solutions to assist family caregivers include more support for the carer in formulating care plans for people with delirium, the development of support groups for family caregivers of people with delirium, and a case worker. These solutions may help to decrease re-hospitalisation and admission to care homes. Future research should focus on approaches to better support carers of people with delirium, and to shift the care plan from person-centred into person and family-centred approach.

Telemedicine experience among family caregivers of persons with dementia.

Telemedicine experience among family caregivers of persons with dementia.

Psychological distress among family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in Uganda

BackgroundAlzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) present growing global health challenges, especially in aging populations, such as Uganda. In Uganda, familial caregiving, predominantly undertaken by female relatives, is the primary form of support provided to patients with ADRD. Cultural stigma around dementia and limited access to support services amplify caregivers' challenges. This study examined psychological distress, depression, and quality of life (QoL) among family caregivers of patients with ADRD in Wakiso District, Uganda.MethodsThis cross-sectional study involved 90 caregivers from three sub-counties in Wakiso, selected through purposive sampling to capture diverse experiences. Participants included caregivers aged 18 years and older who were knowledgeable and had cared for a person with ADRD for not less than six months, with those providing more than 70% of physical care being prioritised. Data were collected using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, the Caregiver Dementia Quality of Life Measurement Scale, and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, with an 80% response rate achieved through local collaboration. The statistical analyses focused on psychological distress, QoL, and depression.ResultsThe study included 82.2% females and 17.8% males, with a median age of 52 years for females and 35 years, respectively. Females were more likely to be single or widowed, whereas males were more likely to be married. The study revealed a high prevalence of psychological distress and depression among caregivers (64.4%) regardless of sex. The analysis indicated that having children was a significant predictor of better QoL (OR 3.04, 95% CI 1.79–5.66, p = 0.034) and a lower risk of depression (OR 0.10, 95% CI 0.01–0.86, p = 0.036). No other sociodemographic factors were significantly associated with health outcomes across the models.ConclusionOur findings revealed a heavy burden of psychological distress and depression among Ugandan caregivers of patients with ADRD, highlighting the need for structured support systems, including mental health services and gender-responsive interventions in low-resource settings.

Gender Differences in Family Caregiving. Do female caregivers do more or undertake different tasks?

BackgroundTwo out of three family caregivers are female. However, current trends show that men are more likely to undertake caregiving duties, yet female caregivers report a higher burden. This paper analyzed data from long-term family caregivers to determine whether, under similar circumstances, gender differences in caregiving persist. We examined whether the observed gender gap affects caregivers' satisfaction with their health and quality of life.MethodsWe analyze cross-sectional data from family caregivers of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) in Switzerland. The data provides comprehensive information about the time and type of weekly tasks family caregivers undertake. To determine differences in caregiving related to gender, we balanced the characteristics of the caregiver and the cared-for person using a propensity score kernel matching. With the balanced sample, we estimated how the observed differences in caregiving varied across cohorts using a Poisson regression.ResultsUnder similar circumstances, male and female caregivers invest similar time in caregiving. This result holds for 21 caregiving tasks, except for household chores, where women spent, on average, four more hours per week than male caregivers. Despite these differences, female caregivers report a quality of life and satisfaction with their health that is similar to that of male caregivers.ConclusionGender differences in caregiving narrow over time, except for household chores, where female caregivers continue to spend significantly more hours than male caregivers. Measures designed for family caregivers must consider these gender differences, as the support needs of female caregivers can differ greatly from those of male caregivers.

Gratitude Predicts Meaning in Life in Family Caregivers of Persons with Alzheimer's Disease.

Gratitude is a well-known and researched internal positive psychological resource. Empirical data, however, on the association between gratitude, meaning in life, and burden in family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease is scant. The aims of this study were to (1) investigate the relationships among these variables in a sample of family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's; and (2) determine if gratitude mediates the effects of perceived burden on meaning in life in this population. One-hundred and twenty-six adult family caregivers, most of whom were an intimate partner or adult child of a person with Alzheimer's, completed the Gratitude Questionnaire-Six Item, the Meaning in Life Questionnaire, the Zarit Burden Inventory, and other relevant measures. A series of OLS regression models, guided by the caregiver stress process model, were conducted. These analyses demonstrated that gratitude was a predictor of the presence of meaning in life among the caregivers in this study even when other key variables were considered. Furthermore, analyses revealed that gratitude fully mediated the effects of caregiver burden on the presence of meaning in life in this sample. Thus, clinicians should consider gratitude as an important internal resource for cultivating meaning in life in this population, especially when caregiver burden is present. Gratitude-bolstering clinical interventions should be further developed and tested as both stand-alone and complimentary additions to empirically supported psychoeducational approaches for supporting health and well-being in this population.

Need-based intervention delivery for family caregivers of older adults with dementia

Research on family caregivers of persons with dementia abounds with studies of psychoeducational and cognitive-behavioral interventions to reduce stress and promote mental health. Yet, the caregiver's needs for such interventions are rarely documented. This study of 87 dementia caregivers examined their needs for dementia education and Resourcefulness Training© using baseline cut scores on validated measures of dementia knowledge and resourcefulness skills. While 66 % showed high need for dementia education, 61 % showed moderate to high need for Resourcefulness Training© and 55 % showed moderate to high need for both, prompting future research to explore advantages of delivering both interventions to dementia caregivers.

Hope Mediates Stress to Reduce Burden in Family Caregivers of Persons with Alzheimer's Disease.

The experience of burden among family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia may be deleterious for their health and well-being. Little is known, however, about the degree to which internal positive psychological resources, such as hope, influence burden perceptions in this population. The current study is novel in that it examined how multiple dimensions of hope, hope-agency and hope-pathway, influenced burden in a sample of one-hundred and fifty-five family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease. The stress process model was used as the theoretical framework for variable specification in this study. Hope was conceptualized using Snyder and colleagues' hope theory. Supporting our first hypothesis, we found that burden was negatively associated with hope-agency, r = -0.33, p < 0.001 and hope-pathway, r = -0.24, p < 0.01. Multiple regression was used to determine if hope-agency and hope-pathway independently contributed to burden. Analysis revealed that hope-agency but not hope-pathway influenced burden when other key variables were taken into consideration. Findings from mediation analysis affirmed that hope-agency had a small but significant mediation effect between stress and burden in this sample. This study provides evidence for the relevance of assessing multiple dimensions of hope when working with caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's. Although replication studies are warranted, the current study confirms a need for further development and refinement of hope-bolstering behavioral interventions which may mediate stress and burden in this population. These interventions should be systematically assessed for efficacy and effectiveness via implementation studies in real-world settings.

Relationship Between Acculturation and Mental Health in Korean American Family Caregivers of Community-Dwelling Persons Living with Dementia.

Despite the growing number of Korean American (KA) family caregivers for persons with dementia, little is known about how acculturation might affect caregiving stress in this population. Acculturation is a variable of considerable interest in caregiving research due to its significance in understanding the impact of cultural perceptions and expectations on the caregiving role and its relation to mental health outcomes. A cross-sectional descriptive study using baseline data from an ongoing randomized controlled trial of dementia caregiver intervention was performed to examine the association between acculturation and mental health outcomes among KA caregivers (n = 32) for persons with dementia. Self-report survey questionnaires including a bidirectional acculturation scale, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Zarit Burden Interview were administered in person in English or Korean by trained bilingual community health workers. The primary independent variable, acculturation, was assessed using a 24-item inventory. It measured two sets of cultural orientation: Korean orientation and American orientation. The mean age was 67 years (SD = 11.8) and 87% were women. Half of the caregivers were spouses of persons with dementia, while the other half were offspring caregivers. In the multiple linear regression model, caregiver acculturation toward Korean cultural orientation had a significant and positive association with depressive symptoms (β = .62; SE = 0.25; p-value = .02) and perceived stress (β = .29; SE = 0.13; p-value = .03) after adjusting for age and self-efficacy. No significant effect of American cultural orientation was found for caregiver burden, perceived stress, or depressive symptoms. Our findings suggest that exploring the role of acculturation in caregiving and its relation to outcomes, particularly caregiver distress, may be valuable for future studies aiming to understand specific elements of cultural values and practices in the acculturation process related to mental health outcomes among immigrant Korean American caregivers.

GENDER DIFFERENCES IN CAREGIVER BURDEN AMONG FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract Family caregiving for individuals with dementia is associated with high levels of burden. Caregiver burden is likely contextual and related to sociocultural norms, including those for gender. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine gender differences in caregiver burden among family caregivers of persons with dementia and to compare such gender differences across cultures. After searching five databases—CINAHL, Medline/PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Sociological Abstracts, we included relevant articles published in English through December 2022. Two independent reviewers extracted study data and assessed the risk of bias. Forty-three studies were included, and from those, 17 effect sizes were extracted for meta-analysis. We found that family caregivers providing homecare were mainly female and adult children of care recipients. Most studies used the Zarit Burden Interview to measure caregiver burden. Random-effects models revealed moderate effects of gender, with higher burden in female than in male family caregivers (d = 0.41, 95% confidence interval: 0.32 to 0.50, p&amp;lt;.05). However, we found that only 20% of Asian studies reported effects of gender on caregiver burden, while more than half the U.S. (83.33%) and European (56.41%) studies reported gender effects. We conclude that, due to sociocultural norms, female Asian caregivers may more readily accept their caregiving role than females in other regions. Thus, future studies should include measures of cultural expectations related to caregiving. Also, researchers should more extensively explore gender-specific sources of caregiver burden before creating gender-specific caregiver interventions and social policy recommendations for alleviating the burden of female caregivers.

Experiences of prognosis disclosure versus nondisclosure among family caregivers of persons with advanced cancer

Caregiving in the South Asian context is often assumed by family automatically for the person with cancer (PWC). In this paper, we applied the disclosure decision-making model (DD-MM) to understand the motives behind cancer prognosis disclosure (or not) by caregivers to the PWC. Fifty caregivers participated in semi-structured interviews; and data were analyzed using Framework Approach. For the disclosing caregivers, some of the themes that emerged were consistent with the DD-MM framework while others were not. In particular, the theme “recipient assessment” was part of the DD-MM framework, while others such as unmet communication needs, caregiver self-reflection, and family support were outside of the framework. In contrast, for the non-disclosing caregivers, the reasons for nondisclosure fit very concisely into the DD-MM framework, particularly with information assessment, recipient assessment, and (non) disclosure efficacy. This study has significant implications for development of communication skills trainings around holding family meetings in India.

P79: Correlates of anticipatory grief in family caregivers of persons with dementia

Objective:Anticipatory grief is frequently experienced by family caregivers of persons with dementia. It is defined as the feelings of pain and loss that appear in the caregiver prior to the death of the person cared for, and it is linked to negative consequences for the physical and psychological caregiver’s health. However, more research is needed about this construct. The purpose of this work was to explore the differences regarding gender and kinship in anticipatory grief in caregivers and to explore its associations with distress experienced by the caregivers.Method:The sample consisted of 70 caregivers. The anticipatory grief was measured with the Caregiver Grief Scale (CGS; Meichsner et al., 2016). Also, frequency of problematic behaviours in the person with dementia and caregiver reactions to them (RMPBC; Teri et al., 1992), depressive symptomatology (CES-D; Radloff, 1977), guilt (CGQ; Losada et al., 2010), anxiety (Tension Sub-scale of POMS’s Questionnaire; Fernández et al., 2000), emotional ambivalence (CAS; Losada et al., 2017) and the experiential avoidance in caregiving (EACQ; Losada et al., 2014) were measured.Independent-samples T-tests were conducted to study if there were differences in anticipatory grief according to the gender of the caregiver and the kinship with the person with dementia. Secondly, Pearson correlations were conducted to study the associations between anticipatory grief and emotional distress variables.Results:The results showed no significative differences according to the gender of the caregiver in anticipatory grief. However, a longer caregiver ́s age and being a spouse caregiver was related to a greater anticipatory grief. Regarding the person cared for, behavioral problems and caregivers ́ reaction to them were associated with anticipatory grief. With regard to caregiver ́s emotional distress, significant and positive correlations were also obtained between anticipatory grief and its subscales with depressive symptomatology, guilt, anxiety, emotional ambivalence and experiential avoidance in caregiving.Conclusions:The results suggest that anticipatory grief may have a relevant role in the well-being of dementia family caregivers. Therefore, it is necessary to consider this process in the assessment and intervention in this context with caregivers.

Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Ease of Decision to Use Non‐Face‐To‐Face Service Among Family Caregiver of People with Dementia

AbstractIntroductionThe prevalence of dementia is increasing worldwide. It will further increase by more than 50 million by 2050. Over 50% of persons with dementia are receiving care by family caregivers such as spouse or children in Korea even after introducing the long‐term care insurance system in Korea. The outbreak of COVID‐19 resulted in shifting to non‐face‐to‐face services to persons with dementia and family caregivers especially in provision of education and support. Non‐face‐to‐face services allows older persons with dementia and caregivers to participate beyond limitation of time and place during COVID‐19 pandemic.PurposeThis study tested perceived usefulness and perceived ease of non‐face‐to face service using The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The TAM can explain variables such as perceived usefulness and perceived ease of technology use. Perceptions of using non‐face‐to‐face services influences the intention of use of the service. Thus, this study aims to investigate the awareness and demands for non‐face‐to‐face services among family caregivers of persons with dementia.MethodA cross‐sectional study was conducted from 2021 to 2022 at 25 dementia centers, South Korea. Family caregivers who were 18 years/ older who had no difficulty in reading, understanding and writing had participated. An online and offline survey was used to collect data on preferred method of information access, use of smart devices, non‐face to face services and support needed for family caregivers and persons with dementia, perceive usefulness, perceived ease, and intention of non‐face‐to‐face service use.Results and DiscussionA total of 284 caregivers responded. Seventy percent of respondents preferred online group education and self‐help groups as the best methods of getting information about dementia. Among respondents, 75% of them had smartphones. Most of them need support such as training on how to use non‐face‐to‐face services (41.2%), 24‐hour available information center (44.4%) and discount on internet usage fee (29.9%) to facilitate their use of non‐face to face service. Perceived usefulness (p &lt;.01) and perceived ease of use (p &lt;.01) influences the intention of use of non‐face‐to‐face services among family caregivers.

Factors relating to intention of use non-face-to-face services among family caregivers of persons with dementia: A cross-sectional study

Purpose: This study investigated the decision factors influencing the intention to use non-face-to-face services such as online support, social networking, educational programs, and video conferencing among family caregivers of persons with dementia (PwD). Methods: This correlational study uses the Technology Acceptance Model as a decision process model. The study targeted family caregivers registered at local dementia care centers, and data from 284 participants were analyzed. An online questionnaire survey was conducted to obtain general characteristics, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and intention to use non-face-to-face services. Results: The results indicated that perceived ease of use differed according to family caregivers’ age, education level, and relationship with the PwD. Intention to use significantly differed by education level, relationship with the PwD, and caregiving duration. Perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use were the main influential factors in the intention to use non-face-to-face services. The regression model accounted for 63.9% of the variance in the intention to use. Conclusion: This study contributed to understanding the intention to use non-face-to-face services for family caregivers and identified the influencing factors. The results indicate the need to communicate better the usefulness of non-face-to-face service and early information and education about available technologies in helping caregivers prepare to adopt new services.

Predicting Exercise Behavior Among Caregivers of Persons With Dementia-A Longitudinal Investigation Using an Extended Health Belief Model.

Family caregivers of persons with dementia face an elevated risk of several chronic illnesses compared to their noncaregiver counterparts. Although exercise is a strong preventive measure for several debilitating health conditions, longitudinal research guided by theoretical frameworks has not identified how behavioral determinants predict exercise among caregivers. This study aimed to investigate how intrapersonal exercise determinants contribute to caregivers' exercise participation while accounting for social-contextual factors, including perceived caregiving burden and pandemic-related distress, by employing an extended Health Belief Model. The study was a longitudinal observational design. Community-dwelling older adult family caregivers of individuals with dementia (n = 127) were recruited with the support of a nonprofit organization. Participants completed measures of the Health Belief Model that also included dual process constructs (intention and habit), along with caregiving burden, pandemic-related distress, and exercise behavior across three consecutive months. Data were analyzed using a multilevel structural equation model with participants (Level 2) nested within time (Level 1). The model revealed direct effects of caregiving burden that debilitate perceived behavioral control, attitudes, threats, and worsen burden, in addition to hampering intention and habit when accounting for total effects. Pandemic-related distress exacerbated caregiving burden and weakened Health Belief Model constructs via total effects. These findings inform constructs to develop a community-based education program for family caregivers to successfully adopt and maintain exercise behavior. Incorporating supportive resources and coping strategies for caregivers of persons with dementia is needed to address the effects of behavioral deterrents.

Evaluation of a care management program on family caregivers of persons with dementia

As the U.S. population ages, dementia due to Alzheimer's or other disease is concerning for healthcare providers. Family caregivers (FCGs) of persons with dementia (PWDs) may experience negative outcomes. The University of California, Davis, Health (UCDH) Alzheimer's and Dementia Care (ADC) Program provides care management for PWDs and their FCGs. This pilot study evaluates the program's effect on FCG depression, strain, and distress. Despite an increase in dementia severity in PWDs, FCGs experienced decreased levels of depression, strain, and distress following 12 to 18 months in the UCDH ADC Program. Other findings include PWDs experiencing reductions in severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms and remaining at home with FCGs. Despite limitations, such as a relatively small sample size and lack of sample diversity, this pilot study demonstrated positive outcomes to both PWDs and their FCGs and contributes to the literature supporting dementia care management programs. Future projects should address these limitations to understand the experiences of a diverse population and to make dementia care management programs sustainable.

Analysis on the predictors of knowledge of medication adherence among care-givers of patients with Schizophrenia in some selected Hospitals of Jigawa State, Nigeria

Family caregivers of persons with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia experience high level of burden and compromised quality of life. A considerable amount of burden on the caregivers often leads to display of certain attitudes towards persons with severe mental illness called expressed emotion, which then leads to poor quality of patients as well. Although numerous studies dealing with these issues separately are present, but studies dealing with relationship, using mixed methodology, among these issues are scarce. Adherence to a drug regime is a significant issue in the clinical management of schizophrenia. A study of adherence in bipolar disorder showed that slightly more than one-half of the patients studied were fully adherent, 20% were partially adherent, and nearly 30% were non-adherent. Risk factors for non-adherence in this group included younger age, minority status, substance abuse, and homelessness (Shehu, et al., 2019). This study assessed and Analysis on the predictors of good knowledge of medication Adherence among care- givers of patients with Schizophrenia in some selected Hospital of Jigawa State, Nigeria. A quasi-experimental psycho-educational intervention study was conducted with before and after design among care givers of patients with Schizophrenia in some selected hospitals of Jigawa State, Nigeria. The study population comprised all the eligible care- givers of patients with schizophrenia within the study area, who were selected and agreed to participate in the study. A sample size of one hundred and thirty participants each for both the experimental and control groups were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using Questionnaire Data collected was coded, entered, and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. After adjusting for the confounding effects using logistic regression analysis; type of treatment (ECT) was found to be negative predictors of good knowledge on medication adherence to treatment among study participants (AOR=0.50, 95%CI=0.27 – 0.85). While, cost of treatment of more than one thousand five hundred naira per day (AOR=2.5, 95%CI=2.11 – 8.33), combination of drugs and ECT (AOR=3.01, 95%CI=1.85 – 14.76), presence of side effects (AOR=4.00, 95%CI=2.05-21.55) and monthly income (AOR=3.00, 95%CI=1.01-15.88) were positive predictors of good knowledge on medication adherence among the study participants in the experimental groupSocial support had a significant correlation with caregivers' QoL. Caregivers should be encouraged to request assistance from other family members and friends in providing care, especially when caregivers are unemployed or long-time carers. Mental health education campaigns and helping families to maintain and enhance a supportive social network may provide useful means to improve caregivers.&#x0D;

Dementia Simulation for Family Caregivers of Persons With Dementia: A Scoping Review.

Alzheimer's disease and related dementias are becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide. Persons with dementia receive substantial assistance from family caregivers over extended periods of time. Family caregivers of persons with dementia are twice as likely to report physical, emotional, and financial challenges related to caregiving compared with other types of family caregivers. Empathy has been demonstrated to improve caregivers' quality of life and their relationships with care recipients. This scoping review examines the current literature on the effects of dementia simulation on empathy levels in family caregivers of persons with dementia. A librarian-assisted search of 4 databases-PubMed, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), PsycINFO, and Scopus-was conducted. Key terms included "dementia," "family caregivers," and "simulation." To broaden reference retrieval, "empathy" was not used as a key term but remained an inclusion criterion during reference screening. Data extraction of relevant references was completed. The search yielded 212 citations. Seven eligible dementia simulation studies were identified, including 1 randomized controlled trial, 3 quasi-experimental studies, and 3 qualitative research studies. Only 3 of the 7 studies focused specifically on family caregivers of persons with dementia. Qualitative data supported increased empathy in family caregivers, but quantitative findings on changes in empathy levels were inconclusive. Further research using quantitative or mixed-methods designs is necessary to support benefits of simulation on empathy for family caregivers of persons with dementia.