The Effect of Web-based Information Intervention in Caregiving Burden in Caregivers of Patients with Dementia

Abstract

Introduction: Due to the relatively high rate of psychological problems among Dementia caregivers, they need necessary information about this disease and methods of care giving. This study aimed to improve caregivers’ awareness on this disease in order to improve their performance and the quality of patient care and to reduce their stress through the provision of web-based health information. Methods: This clinical trial used intervention and control groups. The sample size was calculated as 25 in each group (total=50). First, subjects were selected through purposive sampling and were randomly divided into the test and control groups. Then, a pre-test was carried out using knowledge and care scale questionnaires. In the next step, through a site designed for this purpose, health information related to the disease was provided to careers in 12 sessions within two months. After the end of the intervention, post-test was performed in both groups and the results were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: According to the obtained results, mean score of caregiving burden showed no significant change in the control group and it, even, showed a little increase (0.53), while, in the test group, it decreased by 13.58 points. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the provision of web-based health information is effective in reducing caregiving burden of Dementia caregivers.

Keywords

• health information
• web
• caregiver burden
• dementia