Interventions to Reduce the Role Strain of Informal Adult Caregivers of Individuals With Neurocognitive and Mental Disorders
Authors: Awuah Diana M. 
Published: April 2023

Background

The value of the unpaid labor performed by caregivers is estimated to be at least $306 billion annually, nearly double the combined costs of home health care ($43 billion) and nursing home care ($115 billion). However, studies show caregivers are at risk of developing high levels of physical, emotional, and mental strain, which can negatively impact their role, quality of life, and increase medical costs.

Purpose

The project aims to determine if giving informal caregivers non-pharmacological interventions such as self-guided bibliotherapy, stress reduction interventions, and improving health literacy will reduce the role strain of informal adult caregivers and improve their quality of life.

Method

This project employed a mix-method design focusing on the role strain and quality of life of relatives and friends assisting individuals with neurocognitive or mental health disorders. The subjects engaged in weekly self-guided activities for 8 weeks, and responded to survey questions regarding demographics, depression, anxiety, and stress levels. Personal health information (PHI) was not obtained. The subjects were required to answer qualifying questions. A $5 Amazon gift card was given to participants who completed the project.

Results

Seven people enrolled in the project, but only four participated. All participants were female. Two were African Americans, one Caucasian, and one Hispanic. All four participants completed the pre-test, demographic surveys, and intervention. However, only two completed the post-test survey. One participant completed the pre-test and post-test on the same day at the end of the project.

Descriptive statistics were employed for the data analysis due to the small sample size. A non-parametric 2-independent sample test was used because of the small sample size. The test did not show any statistical significance between the variables in the pre-and post-test DASS-21 after the intervention. Subjects reported the project intervention was “helpful.” Another participant said she could not fully engage in the interventions because of family obligations. Still, she enjoyed the resources, such as the weekly NAMI family support group meetings given by the SI. The pre-test DASS-21 mean score for N=3 was 26 and standard deviation was 15.62.

Discussion

The current COVID-19 has led to an increase in mental health issues. Because of the overwhelming increase in mental health cases, many individuals with mental health problems are being turned away. The decrease in the availability of mental health providers has led to an increased need for informal caregivers. However, studies show stress from caregiving can negatively affect the health of caregivers and result in loss of work productivity. However, specialized support for caregivers is frequently limited. Brown et al. (2016) said nonpharmacological self-help interventions such as bibliotherapy, stress-reduction techniques, and health literacy training could improve caregivers’ health. Therefore, lawmakers and healthcare professionals need to come up with interventions to help caregivers.

Funding

No Funding