Examining the Social Networks Types and Their Effects on Caregiving Experience of Family Caregivers for Individuals With Dementia: A Mixed-Methods Study.
Jun Wang, Weichu Liu, Xuelian Li, Yingzhuo Ma, Qinghua Zhao, Yang Lü, Mingzhao Xiao
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background and objectives: Social networks are crucial to personal health, particularly among caregivers of individuals with dementia; however, different types of social networks among caregivers of those with dementia and how these differences are associated with caregiver burden and positive appraisal, remain underexamined. This study aims to depict dementia caregivers' social network types, related factors, and impact on caregiving experiences.
Research design and methods: A questionnaire-based survey was conducted with a total of 237 family caregivers of individuals with dementia nested additional semistructured interviews conducted with 14 caregivers in Chongqing, China. A quantitative study was designed to collect data on personal and situational information, social networks, caregiver burden, and positive aspects of caregiving. Qualitative data were collected via semistructured interviews. Latent class analysis and multivariate regression analyses were applied to quantitative data, and inductive content analysis to qualitative data.
Results: The 3 social network types-family-limited (n = 39, 16.46%), family-dominant (n = 99, 41.77%), and diverse network (n = 99, 41.77%)-differed in age and sex of caregivers and individuals with dementia, stage of dementia, and caregiving intensity. Caregivers in family-dominant networks had a lower caregiver burden (β= -0.299, p = .003) and greater positive aspects of caregiving (β= 0.228, p = .021) than those in family-limited networks. Three themes-accessibility, reciprocity, and reliance-emerged as facilitators and barriers when asking for support. Caregivers frequently cited the perception of economic, practical, and emotional support, yet reported a lack of adequate formal support from healthcare providers.
Discussion and implication: Family caregivers of individuals with dementia have different social network types that vary considerably among sociocultural contexts and perceive various types of support from social networks. Solid family networks and diverse social networks are contributors to long-term dementia care.
期刊介绍：
Innovation in Aging, an interdisciplinary Open Access journal of the Gerontological Society of America (GSA), is dedicated to publishing innovative, conceptually robust, and methodologically rigorous research focused on aging and the life course. The journal aims to present studies with the potential to significantly enhance the health, functionality, and overall well-being of older adults by translating scientific insights into practical applications. Research published in the journal spans a variety of settings, including community, clinical, and laboratory contexts, with a clear emphasis on issues that are directly pertinent to aging and the dynamics of life over time. The content of the journal mirrors the diverse research interests of GSA members and encompasses a range of study types. These include the validation of new conceptual or theoretical models, assessments of factors impacting the health and well-being of older adults, evaluations of interventions and policies, the implementation of groundbreaking research methodologies, interdisciplinary research that adapts concepts and methods from other fields to aging studies, and the use of modeling and simulations to understand factors and processes influencing aging outcomes. The journal welcomes contributions from scholars across various disciplines, such as technology, engineering, architecture, economics, business, law, political science, public policy, education, public health, social and psychological sciences, biomedical and health sciences, and the humanities and arts, reflecting a holistic approach to advancing knowledge in gerontology.
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