1. Objectifs

Intentions :
« Situated within this perspective, a team of Quebec researchers conducted a study on the processes and efficacy of a psycho-educational group intervention for caregivers of persons with dementia. The aim of the research was to describe how these processes could explain the outcomes and to also identify any additional unpredicted outcomes that might have resulted from the group intervention. » (p. 26)

Questions/Hypothèses :
« The psycho-educational program and its outcome evaluation: The experimental program aimed to improve caregivers’ abilities to cope with the numerous daily stresses associated with caring for a relative with dementia, with a focus on the relative’s dysfunctional behaviours. » (p. 26)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
« The 158 participants took part in one of 12 groups conducted throughout the course of the research, with 79 participants in the experimental group » (p. 27)
« Process evaluation of the psycho-educational program: For the process evaluation, three participants were selected from each of the 10 first groups, for a total of 30 participants. » (p. 27)

Instruments :
« The primary outcome measure was the Revised Memory and Behaviour Problem Checklist (Teri et al., 1992), which measures the frequency of behavioural and memory problems of persons with dementia as well as caregivers’ reactions to these problems. A number of secondary outcome measures were also included: the desire to institutionalise, the Zarit Burden Interview (Zarit, Orr & Zarit, 1985), the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (Spielberger, 1988), the Bradburn Revised Affect Scale (Bradburn, 1969), the Inventory of Socially Supportive Behaviours (Krause & Markides, 1990), self-efficacy (Bandura, 1977), and the short 14-item Ilfeld Psychiatric Symptoms Index (Préville et al., 1992). » (p. 27)

Type de traitement des données :
Analyse de contenu

3. Résumé

« This qualitative process evaluation study aimed to identify the primary processes of a psycho-educational group for caregivers of persons with dementia, in order to better understand intervention outcomes. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 participants recruited from the experimental group of a randomised controlled trial. At pre-test, participants reported their expectations of the group. At post-test, they described their group experience, the most/least helpful aspects of the intervention, their most useful learning and their responses during a recent episode of disturbing behaviour by their relative. Results showed that the group delivered both educational and support processes. Support processes complemented educational processes. Participants learned coping strategies, with reframing playing a more important role than problem solving or seeking social support. Daughters benefited more than spouses from educational processes. This study of group processes contributes to our understanding of the reported reduction in frequency of disturbing behaviours and of the change in caregivers’ behaviours. » (p. 25)