Using Digital Inequality Framework to Evaluate a Technology-Delivered Intervention for Caregivers: Age, Education,...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Health Informatics
• Digital Health

Background:

• Family caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's and related dementias often face significant burdens.
• Technology-delivered interventions offer potential support but may exacerbate digital inequalities.
• The Time for Living and Caring (TLC) intervention aims to provide virtual coaching and resources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and usability of the TLC app for dementia family caregivers.
• To examine the relationship between digital literacy, intervention use, and caregiver outcomes.
• To identify factors influencing engagement with technology-based caregiver support.

Main Methods:

• A sample of 163 family caregivers utilized the TLC app for 16 weeks.
• Baseline assessment included the Computer Proficiency Questionnaire (CPQ-12).
• Analyses explored associations between age, CPQ scores, intervention use, appraisal, and outcomes.

Main Results:

• Age was inversely correlated with computer proficiency (CPQ scores).
• CPQ scores did not significantly predict perceived benefits or intervention appraisal.
• Lower CPQ scores were associated with a higher likelihood of discontinuing app engagement, indicating feasibility challenges.

Conclusions:

• Computer proficiency is a key factor in the feasibility of technology-delivered interventions for caregivers.
• CPQ-12 scores can serve as a valuable screening tool.
• Identifying caregivers with lower digital literacy is crucial for providing tailored support to enhance engagement and benefit from digital health tools.