Dementia Care Research and Psychosocial Factors

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Psychology
• Sociology

Background:

• Caregiver self-efficacy is crucial for managing burden in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) caregiving.
• Socioeconomic status (SES) affects health outcomes, but its impact on ADRD caregiver self-efficacy is understudied.
• This study investigates SES associations with self-efficacy in obtaining respite, responding to disruptive patient behaviors (RDPB), and controlling upsetting thoughts (CUT).

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and self-efficacy in caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD).
• To assess how SES factors (race, education, income, employment, insurance) influence self-efficacy in three key domains: obtaining respite, responding to disruptive patient behaviors (RDPB), and controlling upsetting thoughts (CUT).

Main Methods:

• Analysis of baseline data from 144 caregivers of individuals with ADRD.
• An ANCOVA was used to assess the impact of SES variables (independent) on self-efficacy scores in three domains (dependent).

Main Results:

• No significant SES differences were found in self-efficacy for obtaining respite or RDPB.
• Significant SES differences emerged in the CUT domain, linked to household income and insurance status.
• Caregivers with private insurance or Medicaid reported higher RDPB self-efficacy than those with Medicare.
• Higher education levels correlated with increased RDPB self-efficacy.
• Full-time employment and Medicaid were associated with higher self-efficacy in controlling upsetting thoughts (CUT).

Conclusions:

• Socioeconomic status, particularly insurance, education, and employment, is linked to self-efficacy in ADRD caregivers.
• Interventions for ADRD caregivers should consider SES factors to enhance self-efficacy in managing challenging behaviors and thoughts.
• Further research with larger samples is needed to explore mediating factors and refine interventions.