A text message intervention to support latino dementia family caregivers (CuidaTEXT): feasibility study
Jaime Perales‐Puchalt, Mariana Ramírez, Mónica Fracachán-Cabrera, Eric D. Vidoni, Edward F. Ellerbeck, A. Susana Ramírez, Amber Watts, Kristine Williams, Jeffrey M. Burns
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: : a bidirectional text message intervention to support Latino dementia family caregivers. METHODS: is a six-month, bilingual intervention tailored to caregiver needs (e.g., education, problem-solving, resources). We used convenience sampling and reached 31 potential participants via clinics, registries, community promotion, and online advertising. We enrolled 24 Latino caregivers in a one-arm trial and assessed feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy within six months. RESULTS: helped a lot (vs not at all, a little, or somehow) in caring for their care recipient (71.4%; n = 15), for themselves (66.7%; n = 14), and understanding more about dementia (85.7%; n = 18). Compared to baseline, at six months caregiver behavioral symptom distress (0-60) decreased from 19.8 to 12.0 and depression (0-30) from 8.8 to 5.4 (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: demonstrated high levels of feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy among Latino caregivers. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: feasibility and potential for widespread implementation holds promise in supporting Latino caregivers of people with dementia.