The Effectiveness of A Cultural-Based Support Group For Malay Dementia Caregivers In Kelantan, Malaysia: A Pre-Post Intervention Study
- Author:
Rozanizam Zakaria
;
Asrenee Ab Razak
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Dementia Caregivers, Support Group, Malay, Burden, Quality of Life
- From:ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry
2017;18(1):20-30
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
: The psychological impact of care giving responsibility for dementia
patients is significant regardless of the cultural background. Most of the current
advanced caregivers’ interventions, originating from developed western
countries, do not necessarily apply to local settings. Hence, there is a need for an
effective culturally competent psychological intervention for these caregivers.
The aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of the cultural-based support
group for Malay caregivers of dementia patients in Kelantan towards their
burden, anxiety and depression level, and quality of life. Methods: This was an
experimental study, without control, investigating pre and post support group
intervention effectiveness in reducing caregiver burden, anxiety and depression,
and improving the quality of life. Sixteen caregivers completed the program,
which involved seven fortnightly support group sessions with duration of 2 hours
each, conducted over twelve weeks. Caregivers’ burden was assessed using
Caregiver Strain Index (CSI) while their psychological well-being was
objectively assessed using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). WHO
Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) was used to measure the
quality of life. The validated Malay versions of the questionnaires were used.
Results: There was a statistically significant reduction in the level of caregiver
burden (p = or < 0.001). Measurement of both scores of anxiety and depression
comparing pre and post intervention also showed improvement, but statistically
were not significant. Assessment of caregivers’ quality of life showed statistically
significant improvement in the domains of social, psychological and physical (all
with the p-value <0.05). Discussion: Our cultural-based support group is an
effective intervention to improve burden, psychological well-being and quality of
life among local caregivers of dementia patients. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry,
Vol. 18 (1): January – June 2017: XX XX.
- Full text:P020170620381999192465.pdf
