"Caring for Oneself Program": Protocol for a randomized controlled trial of an online positive psychoeducational intervention for informal caregivers of older adults

Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Plus Pub Date : 2025-04-17 DOI:10.1016/j.aggp.2025.100162

Akemi Matsuzawa , Yoko Moriyama , Tomoko Wakui , Manami Ochi , Hideto Takahashi

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Abstract

Background

Informal caregivers of older adults, particularly those in their 30s–50 s, often experience stress and lower level of well-being compared to those in other age groups. Considering their crucial role and the challenges they face, there is an increasing need for targeted interventions to support their well-being. To address this, we developed a novel intervention using an online positive psychoeducational program for these caregivers. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the effect of this program on the subjective well-being and quality of life (QOL) through a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to refine the intervention and research delivery.

Methods

This program was developed following the Intervention Mapping (IM) framework for intervention development, comprising six stages. The program consisted of eight sessions delivered over two months. The trial is designed as a two-arm RCT with balanced randomization of 350:150, where participants will either participate in the online-based psychoeducational program or receive a leaflet summarizing the program's contents after all surveys are completed, for a 1:1 ratio of participants who complete the program. The primary outcome measure is the subjective well-being of informal caregivers. Secondary outcomes include QOL, authenticity, self-compassion, strength knowledge, strength use, resilience, loneliness, emotional exhaustion and caregiver burden.

Discussion

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an online intervention program and to evaluate mechanisms of change, and contextual factors that could potentially affect its implementation and outcomes. If proven effectiveness, this program can contribute to new methods that enhance subjective well-being of informal caregivers of older adults.

Trial registration

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000056353); registration date: December 6, 2024.

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“照顾自己计划”：一项针对老年人非正式照顾者的在线积极心理教育干预的随机对照试验方案

与其他年龄段的人相比，老年人的正式照顾者，特别是那些30 - 50岁的老年人，经常感到压力和幸福感水平较低。考虑到他们的关键作用和面临的挑战，越来越需要有针对性的干预措施来支持他们的福祉。为了解决这个问题，我们为这些照顾者开发了一种新的干预措施，使用在线积极心理教育计划。本研究旨在通过随机对照试验（RCT）来完善干预和研究交付，开发和评估该计划对主观幸福感和生活质量（QOL）的影响。方法本项目是按照干预制图（IM）框架制定的，包括六个阶段。该项目包括八个疗程，历时两个多月。该试验设计为一项双臂随机对照试验，平衡随机化比例为350:150，参与者要么参加在线心理教育项目，要么在所有调查完成后收到一份总结项目内容的传单，完成项目的参与者比例为1:1。主要的结果测量是非正式照顾者的主观幸福感。次要结局包括生活质量、真实性、自我同情、力量知识、力量使用、恢复力、孤独感、情绪耗竭和照顾者负担。本研究旨在评估在线干预计划的有效性，评估改变的机制，以及可能影响其实施和结果的背景因素。如果证明有效，该计划可以有助于提高老年人非正式照顾者的主观幸福感的新方法。临床试验注册（UMIN000056353）；报名日期：2024年12月6日。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Plus

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