Advancing family dementia caregiver interventions in low‐ and middle‐income countries: A pilot cluster randomized controlled trial of Resources for Advancing Alzheimer's Caregiver Health in Vietnam (REACH VN)

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Low‐ and middle‐income countries have rapidly increasing numbers of people with dementia, yet little evidence on family caregiving interventions. We tested the preliminary efficacy and feasibility of a family caregiving intervention in northern Vietnam. Methods Nine clusters comprising 60 family caregivers were randomized to a culturally adapted version of a four‐ to six‐session, multicomponent intervention delivered in‐home over 2 to 3 months, or enhanced control. Eligible caregivers were ≥18 years of age and scored ≥6 on the Zarit Burden Inventory (ZBI). Results Fifty‐one caregivers (85%) completed the study. Using analysis of covariance with 3‐month assessment as the outcome and baseline assessment as a covariate, intervention group caregivers had an average ZBI (primary outcome) score 1.2 standard deviation (SD) lower (P = .02) and Patient Health Questionnaire‐4 (psychological distress) score 0.7 SD lower (P = .03) than controls. Discussion In the first study of its kind in Vietnam, a culturally adapted, manualized, family caregiver intervention was both efficacious and feasible.

Keywords

• Alzheimer's disease
• dementia
• family caregiving
• global health
• low ‐and middle‐income countries
• non‐pharmacological interventions