Public Health.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Gerontology
• Sociology

Background:

• Dementia caregiving in Latin America, especially Colombia, is challenging due to socioeconomic disparities, weak healthcare, and stigma.
• Informal caregivers, primarily women, experience increased stress, depression, and health issues.
• Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) is underutilized in Colombian dementia research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the wellbeing of women dementia caregivers from low socioeconomic backgrounds in Colombia.
• To identify key psychosocial and patient-related factors impacting caregivers.
• To co-create and test a culturally sensitive, gender-focused intervention using PPI.

Main Methods:

• A three-step process: 1. Identifying psychosocial factors. 2. Co-creating interventions with caregivers, experts, and policymakers. 3. Feasibility testing of the intervention.
• Utilizing a PPI panel of three caregivers to inform study design, materials, and recruitment.
• Assessing caregiver burden, depressive symptoms, life satisfaction, and psychological wellbeing.

Main Results:

• Preliminary findings reveal severe caregiver burden, financial constraints, and participation barriers (e.g., mobility issues).
• The PPI panel confirmed the project's relevance and contributed valuable insights into contextual needs.
• Caregivers actively shaped the study design, materials, and recruitment strategies.

Conclusions:

• Culturally sensitive, gender-focused interventions are crucial for supporting dementia caregivers.
• Inclusive, PPI-driven approaches can effectively address caregiver needs and inform dementia research.
• This project demonstrates the value of collaborative research in improving dementia caregiving globally.