Assessing the Feasibility and Acceptability of a Faith-Based Home Activity Toolbox Designed for African American Families Affected by Dementia.

Abstract

This multi-phase study tested the feasibility and acceptability of a tailored faith-based home activity toolbox developed to support African American families facing dementia. Phase 1 of the study focused on intervention design and used a qualitative descriptive design to identify culturally specific, meaningful, and engaging activities to include within a faith-based toolbox. In Phase 2, 17 African American caregiver dyads participated in a single-group pre- and post-test design. Of these, 13 caregivers were invited for follow-up interviews. Despite no statistical significance, trends in the data suggest engaging with the faith-based toolbox reduced caregiver burden, generated higher positive appraisal, increased expressive support, and decreased stress levels. Emerging themes include: (a) improved dyadic relationships, (b) increased social interactions for people living with dementia, (c) and challenges encountered during engagement. The results suggest the toolbox is a feasible and accepted approach to providing meaningful and engaging activities to African American families facing dementia.