Problem-solving training for family caregivers of women with disabilities: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Objective: To examine the effectiveness of an individualized problem-solving intervention provided to family caregivers of women living with severe disabilities.

Design: Family caregivers were randomly assigned to an education-only control group or a problem-solving training (PST) intervention group. Participants received monthly contacts for 1year.

Participants: Family caregivers (64 women, 17 men) and their care recipients (81 women with various disabilities) consented to participate.

Main outcome measures: Caregivers completed the Social Problem-Solving Inventory - Revised, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale, the Satisfaction with Life scale, and a measure of health complaints at baseline and in three additional assessments throughout the year.

Results: Multilevel modeling was used to conduct intent-to-treat analyses of change trajectories for each outcome variable. Caregivers who received PST reported a significant linear decrease in depression over time; no effects were observed for caregiver health or life satisfaction. Caregivers who received PST also displayed an increase in constructive problem-solving styles over the year.

Conclusions: PST may benefit community-residing family caregivers of women with disabilities, and it may be effectively provided in home-based sessions that include face-to-face visits and telephone sessions.

Figures

Fig. 1

The CONSORT flowchart.

Fig. 2

Significant treatment × time interaction on caregiver depression.

Fig. 3

Significant time × treatment interaction on caregiver constructive problem-solving style.