Problem-solving training for family caregivers of women with disabilities: a randomized clinical trial

To examine the effectiveness of an individualized problem-solving intervention provided to family caregivers of women living with severe disabilities.

Family caregivers were randomly assigned to an education-only control group or a problem-solving training (PST) intervention group. Participants received monthly contacts for 1year.

Family caregivers (64 women, 17 men) and their care recipients (81 women with various disabilities) consented to participate.

Caregivers completed the Social Problem-Solving Inventory - Revised, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale, the Satisfaction with Life scale, and a measure of health complaints at baseline and in three additional assessments throughout the year.

Multilevel modeling was used to conduct intent-to-treat analyses of change trajectories for each outcome variable. Caregivers who received PST reported a significant linear decrease in depression over time; no effects were observed for caregiver health or life satisfaction. Caregivers who received PST also displayed an increase in constructive problem-solving styles over the year.

PST may benefit community-residing family caregivers of women with disabilities, and it may be effectively provided in home-based sessions that include face-to-face visits and telephone sessions.