Effects of a comprehensive educational program on quality of life and emotional issues of dementia patient caregivers

Abstract

The aim of this community-based pre-post interventional study was to investigate the effectiveness of a comprehensive educational program reinforced by an individualized component (CEPRIC) on problems likely to be experienced by caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease, as defined by the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association (NANDA). The Beck Depression Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and the Duke scales were used to measure depression, anxiety, and quality of life, respectively. Sixty-four participants (32 caregiver-patient pairs) took part in the program. This study suggests that caregiver problems (disturbed sleep and eating patterns, trauma risk, anxiety) were reduced and caregiver depression and anxiety scores were diminished; quality of life of caregivers was increased by the intervention. In conclusion, the CEPRIC is a viable option for Alzheimer's caregivers' education programs, particularly in an environment with limited respite care options. © 2005 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.