Effect of problem-oriented coping strategies training on perceived stress in the family caregivers of the elderly with Alzheimer

Background & Aim: The caregivers of Alzheimer's patients frequently experience more psychological illness, depression, stress, and discomfort than their peers who do not care for Alzheimer's patients or care for physically ill patients. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of problem-oriented coping strategies training on perceived stress in the family caregivers of the elderly with Alzheimer. Methods & Materials: The present study was a randomized field trial. The study population consisted of the family caregivers of the elderly with Alzheimer's disease living in Kerman in 2017. The samples were 72 people who were randomly assigned into the control or intervention groups. The caregivers in the intervention group received eight 45-minute sessions about the problem-focused coping strategies based on the specified content, once a week. Data were collected using a 14-item version of the Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale before and two weeks after the intervention, and were analyzed using independent t-test, paired t-test and chi-square tests through the SPSS software version 18. Results: Due to the significant difference in the perceived stress score between the intervention and control groups in the pre-intervention stage (P=0.030), and the lack of significant difference between the two groups after the intervention (P=0.06), in order to determine the effect of the intervention, the mean of changes between the two groups were compared and a significant difference was observed in the intervention group compared to the control group (P=0.02). Conclusion: Considering the positive effect of the problem-focused coping strategy training on reducing perceived stress in the caregivers of the elderly with Alzheimer, designing and implementing interventions with an educational approach can promote the health of caregivers and in turn improve the quality of care for Alzheimer's patients. Clinical trial registry: IRCT2016050327736N1