A Skill-Based multimodal intervention for dementia caregivers: impact on burden and anxiety

Background

Dementia is a global health challenge affecting both patients and their caregivers, with family members often bearing the primary caregiving burden. In Egypt, where research on caregiver mental health is limited, interventions addressing caregiver burden and anxiety is critical.

Aim

To determine the effect of a psychoeducation and skill-based multimodal intervention on caregiver burden and anxiety.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 84 family caregivers. Participants were assigned to either the intervention group (n = 42), which received structured psychoeducation and skill-based training over six biweekly sessions, or the control group (n = 42), which received routine outpatient care. Caregiver burden and anxiety were assessed using the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7). Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia were evaluated using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q).

Results

The sample consisted predominantly of women (79% in the intervention group, 69% in the control group), with daughters forming the largest caregiver subgroup (66.6% and 52.4%, respectively). The mean age of caregivers was 39.2 ± 4.2 years. After three months, caregivers in the intervention group exhibited a significant reduction in burden (ZBI median score: 24 vs. 34, p < 0.0001) and anxiety (GAD-7 mean score: 6.15 vs. 9.4, p < 0.0001) compared to the control group, however, NPI-Q scores remained unchanged.

Conclusion

A structured psychoeducation and skill-based intervention significantly reduces caregiver burden and anxiety. Implementing such programs in Egypt could improve the well-being of caregivers and individuals with dementia.