(Cui)dar

: identificação de necessidades para a intervenção com cuidadores familiares de pessoas com demência

Abstract

Introduction: Providing care to people with dementia, due to the high demand, increases the likelihood of being self-perceived as high overload. Providing this type of care is also related to depressive and anxious symptoms, increasing the risk of physical and mental illness in the caregiver and affecting their performance in delivering care. This is, therefore, a population that deserves special focus from health services. The literature points to various needs for intervention within caregivers, especially in literacy areas such as the management of psychological and behavioral symptoms of dementia, coping strategies, emotional support and the promotion of self-care. Several interventions with family caregivers of people with dementia have been developed, but their effectiveness needs validation. Besides that, in the majority of the programs, inputs from the caregivers are not taken into consideration, neglecting their valuable experience. Methodology: Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with caregivers to understand needs for intervention The cognitive status (MoCA), the perception of overload (ESC) and the presence of psychopathology (SCL-90 R) in caregivers of people with dementia were evaluated. Results: A total of 12 people (7 men and 5 women) participated in this study. Health information needs were identified concerning signs, symptoms and community resources, psychological and behavioral symptom management skills, emotional management skills and self-care promotion. Gaps in specialized care were also highlighted. Significant levels of perceived overload were found (m= 24.5, sd = 10.32), absence of depressive and anxious symptoms, and an average cognitive performance of 23.25 points (sd = 3.47). Conclusions: This study contributed to the knowledge of intervention needs. The study also highlighted the importance of protective factors, namely support utilization, caregiver characteristics, namely coping strategies, patient characteristics, specifically a collaborative posture, and prior relationship between caregiver and caregiver.

Date of Award	20 Jul 2020
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Maria Vânia Silva Nunes (Supervisor)