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Rosell J, Araya AX, Miranda-Castillo C. Internet use by informal caregivers in Chile: An analysis including age and gender perspectives. Clin Gerontol 2024; 47:26-38. [PMID: 36773058 DOI: 10.1080/07317115.2023.2173692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study explored the relationship between Internet use and informal caregivers' characteristics. METHODS We used the Chilean Sociodemographic Characterization Survey. A total of 86,172 informal caregivers were identified. We conducted a weighted χ2 to test differences in 10 types of Internet use and weighted logistic regressions with caregivers' characteristics as predictors of Internet use. RESULTS Younger caregivers engaged in more types of use than the older ones. Education level was positively associated with all types of use, such as searching for information (OR = 3.52, CI 95% [2.34, 5.29]). Age was negatively related to Internet use. Women used the Internet more to communicate via social networks. Being single reduced the likelihood of performing certain types of use, such as information seeking. The number of people living in households has increased entertainment. CONCLUSIONS Older caregivers with lower education levels are at greater risk of digital exclusion. The same occurred in some types of use with single caregivers, where fewer people lived in the household. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS The Internet can be a tool for coping with caregiving tasks and their negative consequences. Interventions should consider these characteristics when promoting online tools and performing online interventions to reach the broadest possible audience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javiera Rosell
- Millennium Institute for Care Research (MICARE), Chile
- Escuela de Psicología, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile
- Oxford Institute of Population Ageing, University of Oxford Oxford, UK
| | - Alejandra-Ximena Araya
- Millennium Institute for Care Research (MICARE), Chile
- Facultad de Enfermería, Universidad Andres Bello, Chile
| | - Claudia Miranda-Castillo
- Millennium Institute for Care Research (MICARE), Chile
- Facultad de Enfermería, Universidad Andres Bello, Chile
- Instituto Milenio para la Investigación en Depresión y Personalidad (MIDAP), Chile
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Angelopoulou E, Kontaxopoulou D, Fragkiadaki S, Stanitsa E, Pavlou D, Papatriantafyllou J, Koros C, Dimovski V, Šemrov D, Papageorgiou SG. Perceptions of Patients, Caregivers, and Healthcare Professionals toward Telemedicine Use for Cognitive and Movement Disorders in the Aegean Islands, Greece: A Pilot Study of the SI4CARE European Project. Geriatrics (Basel) 2023; 9:3. [PMID: 38247978 PMCID: PMC10801565 DOI: 10.3390/geriatrics9010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with neurodegenerative diseases who live in remote areas often have limited access to specialized healthcare, and telemedicine represents a useful solution. The aim of this study was to investigate the perceptions toward the use of a specialized-tertiary telemedicine service of patients with cognitive and movement disorders, caregivers, and local healthcare professionals (HPs) in the Aegean Islands. METHODS Data were derived from the "Specialized Outpatient Clinic of Memory, Dementia and Parkinson's disease through the National Telemedicine Network", March 2021-March 2023. The survey included 10 questions (5-point Likert scale). RESULTS We received 64 questionnaires (25 patients, 18 caregivers, 21 HPs). Most participants positively perceived all aspects of telemedicine, including comfort (mean ± standard deviation: patients 4.5 ± 0.9, caregivers: 4.8 ± 0.5, HPs: 4.6 ± 0.7), access to specialized care (4.7 ± 0.6, 4.7 ± 0.5, 4.9 ± 0.4), number of transportations (4.6 ± 0.8, 4.6 ± 0.9, 4.8 ± 0.5), adequacy of follow-up (4.6 ± 0.7, 4.4 ± 0.8, 4.2 ± 0.7), future telemedicine selection (4.8 ± 0.4, 4.8 ± 0.4, 4.6 ± 0.6), perceived reliable medical assessment (4.7 ± 0.5, 4.6 ± 0.6, 4.3 ± 0.6), information delivery (4.7 ± 0.6, 4.6 ± 0.5, 4.4 ± 0.9), health status improvement (4.6 ± 0.7, 4.6 ± 0.6, 4.0 ± 0.7), cost (4.6 ± 1, 4.6 ± 1, 5.0 ± 0.2), and general satisfaction (4.8 ± 0.4, 4.7 ± 0.5, 4.5 ± 0.6). The commonest recommendations were more frequent visits, medical specialties, and dissemination of information. CONCLUSIONS The positive perception of participants highlights the value of telemedicine for specialized healthcare for neurodegenerative disorders, especially in remote areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efthalia Angelopoulou
- 1st Department of Neurology, Aiginition University Hospital, Vasilissis Sofias Street 72-74, 11528 Athens, Greece; (D.K.); (S.F.); (E.S.); (J.P.); (C.K.); (S.G.P.)
| | - Dionysia Kontaxopoulou
- 1st Department of Neurology, Aiginition University Hospital, Vasilissis Sofias Street 72-74, 11528 Athens, Greece; (D.K.); (S.F.); (E.S.); (J.P.); (C.K.); (S.G.P.)
| | - Stella Fragkiadaki
- 1st Department of Neurology, Aiginition University Hospital, Vasilissis Sofias Street 72-74, 11528 Athens, Greece; (D.K.); (S.F.); (E.S.); (J.P.); (C.K.); (S.G.P.)
| | - Evangelia Stanitsa
- 1st Department of Neurology, Aiginition University Hospital, Vasilissis Sofias Street 72-74, 11528 Athens, Greece; (D.K.); (S.F.); (E.S.); (J.P.); (C.K.); (S.G.P.)
| | - Dimosthenis Pavlou
- School of Topography and Geoinformatics, University of West Attica, Ag. Spyridonos Str., 12243 Aigalew, Greece;
| | - John Papatriantafyllou
- 1st Department of Neurology, Aiginition University Hospital, Vasilissis Sofias Street 72-74, 11528 Athens, Greece; (D.K.); (S.F.); (E.S.); (J.P.); (C.K.); (S.G.P.)
| | - Christos Koros
- 1st Department of Neurology, Aiginition University Hospital, Vasilissis Sofias Street 72-74, 11528 Athens, Greece; (D.K.); (S.F.); (E.S.); (J.P.); (C.K.); (S.G.P.)
| | - Vlado Dimovski
- School of Economics and Business, University of Ljubljana, Kardeljeva ploščad 17, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Darja Šemrov
- Faculty of Civic and Geodetic Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Jamova Cesta 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sokratis G. Papageorgiou
- 1st Department of Neurology, Aiginition University Hospital, Vasilissis Sofias Street 72-74, 11528 Athens, Greece; (D.K.); (S.F.); (E.S.); (J.P.); (C.K.); (S.G.P.)
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Siedlecki KL, Kobrinsky V, Leqola A. The temporal relationship between depressive symptoms and self-rated health across adulthood. Aging Ment Health 2023; 27:1676-1683. [PMID: 36038543 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2022.2116403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Depressive symptoms have been found to relate to diminished self-rated health (SRH), which is a reliable index of general health. Despite such associations, there is limited research examining the bidirectional temporal relationship between these variables. The current study is the first to investigate the longitudinal relationship between depressive symptoms and SRH utilizing a cross-lagged panel analysis in a sample that spans adulthood (ages 18-93).Method: Data from the Virginia Cognitive Aging Project were used to examine the temporal relationship between depressive symptoms and SRH in a cross-lagged panel analysis using structural equation modeling.Results: A bidirectional temporal relationship, which was not moderated by age, was established between depressive symptoms and SRH.Conclusion: This article is the first to demonstrate that depressive symptoms and SRH influence each other reciprocally over time across adulthood, even after controlling for relevant variables. Considering the ubiquity and ramifications of depressive symptoms among American adults, these results highlight the importance of investigating mechanisms that could elucidate the link between the variables in question.
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Mendez KJW, Labrique AB, Budhathoki C, Sadak T, Tanner EK, Cotter VT, Han HR. Use of mobile applications and health technologies among dementia caregivers with chronic conditions: A cross-sectional study. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231181213. [PMID: 37361436 PMCID: PMC10286551 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231181213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Almost 80% of people, who are caring for someone with dementia, have one or more chronic conditions and require self-management support. New technologies offer promising solutions; however, little is known about what technologies caregivers use for their health or in general. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of mobile application (app) and health-related technology use among caregivers who have chronic conditions and care for someone with dementia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 122 caregivers recruited online and from communities in the Baltimore-metropolitan area. Data were collected with online surveys and computer-assisted telephone interviews. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze survey data. Results Study participants were primarily female (95 of 122, 77.9%), middle-aged (average 53 years, standard deviation (SD) 17), well educated (average 16 years, SD 3.3), an adult child of the person with dementia (53 of 122, 43.4%), and had 4 chronic conditions on average (SD 2.6). Over 90% of caregivers used mobile apps (116 of 122), spending a range of 9 to 82 min on each app. Most caregivers reported using social media apps (96 of 116, 82.8%), weather apps (96 of 116, 82.8%), and/or music or entertainment apps (89 of 116, 76.7%). Among caregivers using each app type, more than half of caregivers used social media (66 of 96, 69%), games (49 of 74, 66%), weather (62 of 96, 65%), and/or music or entertainment apps (51 of 89, 57%) daily. Caregivers also used several technologies to support their own health-the most common being websites, mobile devices, and health-related mobile apps. Conclusion This study supports the feasibility of using technologies to promote health behavior change and support self-management among caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alain Bernard Labrique
- International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Tatiana Sadak
- University of Washington School of Nursing, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | - Hae-Ra Han
- Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Hvalič‐Touzery S, Dolničar V, Prevodnik K. Factors influencing informal carers' acceptance of assistive telecare systems in the pre- and post-implementation phase: A scoping study. Health Soc Care Community 2022; 30:e1484-e1504. [PMID: 35574935 PMCID: PMC9541532 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Assistive telecare systems (ATSs) have great potential to be beneficial for informal carers (ICs) providing long-term care to older people (OP). However, little is known about ATS acceptance among ICs. This scoping study aims to investigate various factors that influence the ICs' acceptance of ATSs over time in the pre- and post-implementation phases. A five-stage scoping study was conducted. A systematic search of five bibliographic databases (Science Direct, Scopus, CINAHL, PubMED and Proquest Social Sciences Database) was conducted in September 2020, supplemented by a round of grey literature searches. Using the established selection criteria, 37 publications published between 2000 and September 2020 were included. The data were analysed with Atlas.ti 8 using content-based analysis and a combination of deductive and inductive approaches. The results show that work on understanding acceptance of ATS only gained wider attention after 2010. Seven key factors of ATS acceptance were identified: benefits and concerns about ATS, care situation, the influence of the OP, carer characteristics, perceived need to use and social influence. Several subfactors were also found. The post-intervention acceptance factors were found to be more nuanced than the pre-implementation factors, indicating that first-hand experience with ATSs enabled study participants to provide a more tangible, extensive and in-depth overview of the various ATS acceptance factors. This scoping review is useful for ATS developers, providers, health and social care scholars and practitioners, policy makers and commissioners, all of whom seek to improve and facilitate the provision of long-term care in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Hvalič‐Touzery
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Centre for Social InformaticsUniversity of LjubljanaLjubljanaSlovenia
| | - Vesna Dolničar
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Centre for Social InformaticsUniversity of LjubljanaLjubljanaSlovenia
| | - Katja Prevodnik
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Centre for Social InformaticsUniversity of LjubljanaLjubljanaSlovenia
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Mendez KJW, Budhathoki C, Labrique AB, Sadak T, Tanner EK, Han HR. Factors Associated With Intention to Adopt mHealth Apps Among Dementia Caregivers With a Chronic Condition: Cross-sectional, Correlational Study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2021; 9:e27926. [PMID: 34463637 PMCID: PMC8441609 DOI: 10.2196/27926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the United States, nearly 80% of family caregivers of people with dementia have at least one chronic condition. Dementia caregivers experience high stress and burden that adversely affect their health and self-management. mHealth apps can improve health and self-management among dementia caregivers with a chronic condition. However, mHealth app adoption by dementia caregivers is low, and reasons for this are not well understood. Objective The purpose of this study is to explore factors associated with dementia caregivers’ intention to adopt mHealth apps for chronic disease self-management. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional, correlational study and recruited a convenience sample of dementia caregivers. We created a survey using validated instruments and collected data through computer-assisted telephone interviews and web-based surveys. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, we recruited dementia caregivers through community-based strategies, such as attending community events. After nationwide closures due to the pandemic, the team focused on web-based recruitment. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to test the relationships between the independent and dependent variables. Results Our sample of 117 caregivers had an average age of 53 (SD 17.4) years, 16 (SD 3.3) years of education, and 4 (SD 2.5) chronic conditions. The caregivers were predominantly women (92/117, 78.6%) and minorities (63/117, 53.8%), experienced some to extreme income difficulties (64/117, 54.7%), and were the child or child-in-law (53/117, 45.3%) of the person with dementia. In logistic regression models adjusting for the control variables, caregiver burden (odds ratio [OR] 1.3, 95% CI 0.57-2.8; P=.57), time spent caregiving per week (OR 1.7, 95% CI 0.77-3.9; P=.18), and burden of chronic disease and treatment (OR 2.3, 95% CI 0.91-5.7; P=.08) were not significantly associated with the intention to adopt mHealth apps. In the final multiple logistic regression model, only perceived usefulness (OR 23, 95% CI 5.6-97; P<.001) and the interaction term for caregivers’ education and burden of chronic disease and treatment (OR 31, 95% CI 2.2-430; P=.01) were significantly associated with their intention to adopt mHealth apps. Perceived ease of use (OR 2.4, 95% CI 0.67-8.7; P=.18) and social influence (OR 1.8, 95% CI 0.58-5.7; P=.31) were not significantly associated with the intention to adopt mHealth apps. Conclusions When designing mHealth app interventions for dementia caregivers with a chronic condition, it is important to consider caregivers’ perceptions about how well mHealth apps can help their self-management and which app features would be most useful for self-management. Caregiving factors may not be relevant to caregivers’ intention to adopt mHealth apps. This is promising because mHealth strategies may overcome barriers to caregivers’ self-management. Future research should investigate reasons why caregivers with a low education level and low burden of chronic disease and treatment have significantly lower intention to adopt mHealth apps for self-management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chakra Budhathoki
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Alain Bernard Labrique
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Tatiana Sadak
- School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Elizabeth K Tanner
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Hae Ra Han
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Sriram V, Jenkinson C, Peters M. Carers' experiences of assistive technology use in dementia care: a cross sectional survey. BMC Geriatr 2021; 21:471. [PMID: 34433416 PMCID: PMC8385483 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-021-02417-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Assistive Technology (AT) supports persons with dementia and their carers (family, friends and neighbours), yet little is known about experiences and the impact of AT on carers. We report on an exploratory survey that examined the types, uses, costs and impact of AT on carers as well as their quality of life. Methods A cross-sectional survey using the Carers Assistive Technology Experience Questionnaire collected data from carers in the UK, who used at least one AT in the previous year and provided more than 10 h of care for a person with dementia, living at home. Carers completed the questionnaire online or on paper and information on AT, socio-demographic details, and Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) data were collected. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to report results and draw conclusions. Results Data from 201 carers was analysed. Smartphones and tablet computers were the most frequently used AT. AT were used predominantly for safety, communication, and reminders. Carers usually make decisions on buying and continued use of AT. Multiple AT devices were used in the care of persons with dementia and number of AT used was associated with perceived satisfaction. Satisfaction with AT was not related to age, living arrangements and relationship of carers. From the SF-12, Mean Physical Component Score was 49.19 (95%CI- 47.75 to 50.63) and Mental Component Score was 45.37 (95%CI- 43.93 to 46.80). Women, carers in the 46–65 age group and carers who were not extremely satisfied with AT had lower MCS scores. Carers who lived with the person with dementia and older carers had lower PCS scores. Conclusions Carers report that AT has a beneficial impact. Carers use multiple ATs, perceive AT to be satisfactory and recommend AT use to others. To support carers, we recommend establishment of centrally funded information sources and a loan store for AT. Further research on incremental addition of AT and changes to formal/paid care because of using AT should be undertaken. Practitioners, academics, manufactures and policy makers should consider the experiences of carers in research, development and use of AT to facilitate improved community living of people with dementia. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-021-02417-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vimal Sriram
- Health Services Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Richard Doll Building, Old Road Campus, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK.
| | - Crispin Jenkinson
- Health Services Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Richard Doll Building, Old Road Campus, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK
| | - Michele Peters
- Health Services Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Richard Doll Building, Old Road Campus, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK
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