E-bibliotherapy for Informal Caregivers of People With Dementia

Effects of E-bibliotherapy on the Psychological Well-being of Informal Caregivers of People With Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The objective of this study is to test the efficacy of e-bibliotherapy on improving the psychological well-being of informal caregivers of people with dementia as compared with a control group.

This project is a two-arm randomized controlled trial evaluating the effects of e-bibliotherapy on improving the psychological well-being of informal caregivers of people with dementia. One hundred and ninety-two informal caregivers of people with dementia will be recruited. Participants in the intervention group will receive eight weekly e-bibliotherapy sessions. The control group will get access to the same e-bibliotherapy app but accept only general daily living knowledge. Psychological well-being, caregiving appraisal, mental health, biomarker of stress, and health-related quality of life will be measured to test the effects of e-bibliotherapy immediately post-intervention, three months post-intervention, and six months post-intervention. Focus group interviews will be conducted immediately post-intervention to explore caregivers' experiences participating in this study.

Inclusion Criteria:

• primary caregivers aged 18 or above;
• provide unpaid regular care to a person with mild to moderately severe dementia (measured by Global Deterioration Scale, GDS=4~6);
• have cared for the care recipient for at least six months;
• assist with at least one of the care recipient's daily activities;
• use a smartphone or tablet;
• can read Chinese.

Exclusion Criteria:

• caregivers with unstable physical or mental conditions;
• have cognitive impairment;
• are undergoing acute treatment or have not yet stabilized on their chronic medication;
• are involved in another interventional study