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Self‐efficacy of ADRD caregivers: Results of a pilot survey
Author(s) -
Parsons Kelly Kazee,
Gibson Allison,
Bardach Shoshana H,
Barber Justin M,
Johnson Julia,
Jicha Gregory A
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.713
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1552-5279
pISSN - 1552-5260
DOI - 10.1002/alz.044285
Subject(s) - dementia , family caregivers , caregiver stress , gerontology , caregiver burden , coping (psychology) , psychology , intervention (counseling) , focus group , self efficacy , medicine , disease , clinical psychology , psychiatry , psychotherapist , pathology , marketing , business
Background Family members often become informal caregivers of persons diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). Caregiver self‐efficacy is a construct that refers to a belief that a person has about one’s ability to successfully facilitate their caregiving role. However, self‐efficacy can vary across caregiving domains. This pilot study aimed to identify challenges and strengths of caregiver self‐efficacy to inform a caregiving intervention. Methods Data collection was administered to ADRD caregivers associated with a southern U.S. Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. With a focus on motivation, coping, and self‐ efficacy, analysis was conducted with 65 caregivers for ADRD (n=62). The caregiver assessment was conducted as an interview (39 items) and included Zarit’s Caregiver Burden 4‐item screening, REACH II Risk Appraisal, Fortinsky’s Caregiver Self‐Efficacy for Managing Dementia scale, and selected items of Albert’s Care Planning for Individuals with Dementia. Analysis in R identified caregiver efficacy along the continuum of care needs and domains. Results Of the 62 respondents, 29 identified as the only caregiver (51.8%) and 51 identified as the primary caregiver (91.1%). The majority of respondents provided daily care (49; 87.5%) without paid assistance (43, 76.8%). Caregivers expressed challenges including frequent trouble sleeping (24; 42.9%) and occasional desire to yell at the persons with ADRD (28; 50.0%). Further, 27 persons with ADRD had access to a weapon (48.2%). Most caregivers “agreed a lot” (26; 44.6%) or “agreed a bit” (18; 32.1%) that providing care made them feel good about themselves. Self‐efficacy and caregiver burden were correlated. ([r(53) = ‐.413, p = .002]). Further, a regression was significant with independent variables level of disease knowledge and caregiver efficacy explaining significant variance in feeling good about providing care ([R2= .141, F(2, 52) = 4.114, p = 0.022]). Conclusion Developing strategies to provide specific interventions within the continuum of care is a timely cost effective way to reduce caregiver burden, promote the dyad well‐being, and assist family to age in place. Caregiver interventions should focus on safety in the home (i.e., securing weapons), self‐care for caregivers, and disease education, which can empower caregivers to feel good about themselves in their role as caregivers.