Exploring the effectiveness of an Internet-based program for reducing caregiver distress using the iCare Stress Management e-Training Program

Abstract

Objective: Determine if the online iCare Stress Management e-Training Program reduces stress, bother, depression, and poor life quality for dementia family caregivers (CGs).

Method: CGs (N = 150) were randomly assigned to the iCare Condition (ICC) or to the Education/Information-Only Condition (EOC) for a 3-month period. Change in self-report measures of stress (PSS) (primary outcome), caregiver bother(RMBPC), depression (CES-D), and quality of life (PQOL) (secondary outcomes) was determined, along with usage of new information in one's own caregiving.

Results: A mixed ANOVA revealed that change in perceived stress was significant for the ICC but not the EOC (p = .017). Changes in the other measures were not significant. More caregivers in the ICC used the materials in their own caregiving situation than those in the EOC. Roughly one-third of the caregivers enrolled in the study dropped prior to completion.

Conclusion: Results are promising, but the high dropout is a concern. Future efforts to improve dropout rate and increase participant engagement are warranted. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to present an evidence-based intervention for CGs via the Internet.

Keywords:

• Alzheimer's disease
• caregiving
• nonpharmacological treatments
• Internet-based program
• dementia

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Corrigendum

Acknowledgements

This project was supported by Award Number R44AG032762 from the National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institute on Aging or the National Institutes of Health.

Notes

^aRange of Services: 1 to 5 = 1 to 5 services (e.g. transportation, finances, shopping, respite, housekeeping, or socialization); 5 = personal care; 6 through 10 = personal care plus 1 to 6 other services.

^bRevised Memory and Behavioral Problems Checklist (RMBPC) – Conditional Bother (If a particular memory or behavioral problem occurred, how much did it bother the participant.).

^cCenter for Epidemiological Studies – Depression Scale

* Missing values for participants on these variables – 3 on care recipient age; 2 on RMBPC.

**Dropout rate = 31%.

^a Range of Services: 1 to 5 = 1 to 5 services (e.g. transportation, finances, shopping, respite, housekeeping, or socialization); 5 = personal care; 6 through 10 = personal care plus 1 to 6 other services.

^b Type service: Support group, Clergy, Home Care, Case Mgr., Therapy, Medication, or Day Care.

* Missing values for two participants on Age of Care Recipient.

**EOC = Education Only Condition; ICC = iCare Condition.

¹ Perceived Stress Scale. ² Revised Memory and Behavior Problems Checklist – Conditional Bother – (Caregiving specific stress). ³Center for Epidemiology Studies-Depression Scale.

⁴ Quality of Life.

**EOC = Education Only Condition; ICC = iCare Condition.