The Effect of Cognitive Behavior Modification Program on Stress among Caregivers of Older Adults with Dementia

Abstract

AbstractObjective: This quasi-experimental study aimed to examine the effect of the cognitive behavior modification program on stress, among caregivers of older adults with dementia. Method: Thirty caregivers living in Chonburi, Thailand, were randomly assigned equally to either experimental, or control groups. The experimental group received the cognitive behavior modification training program for 8 weeks, while the control group received usual care. Research instruments consisted of 1) cognitive behavior modification program, 2) demographic data collection form for both caregivers and their elderly, and 3) stress questionnaire for caregivers. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, analysis of variance with repeated measures, and pairwise comparison for mean difference using Newman-Keuls method. Results: The mean stress scores in the experimental and control groups at post-test and the one-month follow-up, were significantly different (P < 0.05). In the experimental group, the mean stress scores at pre-test (56.73 ± 1.60) were significantly different from the mean scores at post-test (42.73 ± 2.06) and the one-month follow-up (41.00 ± 1.86) (P < 0.05). However, the mean scores at post-test and follow-up were not significantly different. Conclusion: The cognitive behavior modification program could reduce stress among the caregivers of older adults with dementia. Therefore, relevant health care providers could learn and apply this program to promote mental health among the caregivers of older adults with dementia.Keywords: stress, older adults, dementia, caregivers, cognitive behavior modification program