Nursing Intervention for Caregivers of Patients with Alzheimer's Disease regarding Burden of Care

Document Type : Scientific peer reviewed journal

Authors

1 Supervisor Nurse at Alshohada Central Hospital, Egypt

2 Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Benha University, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Caregiver burden is a complex and multidimensional construct, which includes physical, psychological, social and financial consequences that can be experienced by family members caring for Alzheimer's patient. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that caregiver well-being is maintained. Aim of study: Was to evaluate the effect of nursing intervention for caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's Disease (AD) regarding burden of care. Design: A quasi-experimental design with pre and post-test was used. Setting: This study was conducted at the Outpatient Clinic of Benha Psychiatric Hospital, the Psychiatric Department of Benha University Hospital, and the Geriatric Outpatient Clinic of Al Khanka Hospital in Al-Qalubiya Governorate. Sample: A convenience sample consists of sixty caregivers and their Alzheimer's relatives in the selected settings. Tools of data collection: Four tools were used to conduct the study. I:  A constructed interviewing questionnaire was developed by the researcher to assess socio-demographic data of AD patient and caregivers and assessment of caregiver's practice. II: Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge scale (ADK) to assess caregiver's knowledge. III: Zarit Burden Interviewing (ZBI) questionnaire to assess burden of caregivers and IV: Katz index of independence in Activities of Daily Living scale (ADL) to assess patient's independency. Results: There was improvement in caregiver's knowledge and practice after the intervention. Furthermore, there was a decrease in total burden score at post intervention. Conclusion: The educational intervention was successful in improving caregiver's knowledge and practice, as well as, reducing caregiver's burden. Recommendations: Caregivers should be routinely assessed and receiving educational intervention in out-patient clinics and social organizations should provide support to AD caregivers. 

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