Positive and negative ways that informal caregivers are affected by weight and weight management efforts for care recipients with spinal cord injury

Positive and negative experiences of caregivers helping power wheelchair users: a mixed-method study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to better understand how the powered wheelchair (PWC) impacts the experiences of family caregivers of PWC users, and explore the strategies and resources used by caregivers to cope with their role.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This mixed-methods study was part of a larger cross-sectional research study conducted in four Canadian cities. Twenty-three family caregivers of PWC users, who provided at least 2 h of support per week, completed the Power Mobility Caregiver Assistive Technology Outcome (PM-CATOM), an 18-item measure assessing PWC-related and overall burden experienced by family caregivers. We also conducted semi-structured interviews and analysed them using inductive content analysis.

RESULTS

From the quantitative PM-CATOM results, the caregivers perceived low level of burden for the wheelchair-related items, (Median:4.5; Range 3 to 5). Most perceived burden when physically helping the wheelchair user and when providing verbal hints. In terms of overall help, the caregivers experienced some level of burden (Median 3.5: Range 3 to 5). Most caregivers identified burden associated with the limitation to their recreational and/or leisure activities (52.2%) and feeling that they have more to do than they can handle. We identified 3 themes in the interviews: the burden experiences of caring for PWC users, the positive experiences of caregiving, and the coping strategies and resources used by caregivers of PWC users.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that understanding the experiences of caregivers of AT users is central as they are directly and indirectly impacted by the PWC in their lives and caregiving roles.

A systematic review and qualitative synthesis of weight management interventions for people with spinal cord injury

People with spinal cord injury (SCI) are at greater risk of developing obesity and related co-morbidities than those without SCI. The objectives of this systematic review were to examine the effectiveness of weight management interventions for people with SCI and to synthesize the experiences of people involved with SCI weight management (e.g., SCI healthcare professionals and caregivers). Five databases were searched (up to July 31, 2023) and 5,491 potentially eligible articles were identified. Following screening, 22 articles were included, comprising 562 adults. There was considerable heterogeneity in study design and weight loss interventions included behavioral nutritional and exercise education sessions, recalling food diaries, exercise interventions, and pharmaceuticals. The mean percentage change of the pooled body mass data equated to -4.0 ± 2.3%, with a range from -0.5 to -7.6%. In addition, 38% of the individuals with SCI who completed a weight loss intervention (N = 262) had a ≥5% reduction in body weight. Collectively, although on average the included interventions led to moderate weight loss, the finding that just over a third of individuals achieved clinically meaningful 5% weight loss suggests that available interventions for this population may need to be improved.

Development and evaluation of an educational curriculum for healthcare providers on overweight/obesity management in individuals with spinal cord injury based on diverse stakeholder engagement

BACKGROUND

Spinal cord injury (SCI) healthcare providers are aware of the harmful consequences of overweight/obesity in persons with SCI, but many are unaware of available information and lack training to guide weight management care in the SCI population.

OBJECTIVE

Describe the development and content of an educational curriculum for healthcare providers to help individuals with SCI prevent or manage overweight/obesity.

METHODS

The biopsychoecological framework guided curriculum planning, data collection, and product development. Thematic analysis of interviews conducted with individuals with SCI, informal caregivers, and SCI healthcare providers pinpointed central educational curriculum topics. SCI healthcare providers evaluated the curriculum.

RESULTS

Seven comprehensive topics were developed: 1. Scope and consequences of overweight/obesity in SCI; 2. Classifying and measuring overweight/obesity in SCI; 3. Guidelines related to weight management in SCI; 4. Identifying challenges (and solutions) to weight management in SCI; 5. Strategies for providers to facilitate weight management; 6. Understanding goals, motivators, and desired feedback for weight management; and 7. Knowing how informal caregivers are affected by weight and weight management of care recipients with SCI. High ratings (>80% strong agreement) were achieved on content, word choice, organization, relevance, and actionability. Modification needs were identified and subsequently made to layout, visual aids, and provision of tangible resources. Providers described the curriculum as a scientifically rigorous resource that addresses a knowledge gap, provides population-specific content, and is useful across interdisciplinary teams.

CONCLUSION

We developed a self-directed learning educational curriculum addressing topics most salient to stakeholders involved in overweight/obesity management of persons with SCI.