Burcu Akpinar Söylemez

Examining Factors Affecting Caregiver Burden: A Comparison of Frontotemporal Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease:

This study was conducted to compare the caregiver burden with regard to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and to determine the factors affecting the caregiver burden of patients with AD and FTD. A comparative descriptive study design was used. The sample consisted of 90 patients with AD and 44 patients with FTD and their caregivers. Sociodemographic questionnaire, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI), Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), and Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ) were used. Descriptive statistics, t tests, χ2 test, and multinominal regression were used for analysis. No difference was found with subscales and the total score of the CBI, except time dependency scale. The total NPI and FAQ scores correlated significantly, and the MMSE score did not show a significant correlation with the AD and FTD caregiver burden. The presence and frequency of neuropsychological symptoms differ among patients with FTD and AD, and different symptoms affect the caregiver burdens in both groups.

Application of the Progressively Lowered Stress Threshold Model with Community-Based Caregivers: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The Progressively Lowered Stress Threshold (PLST) is a conceptual model for reducing behavioral symptoms in individuals with dementia. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the PLST-based intervention on burden, symptoms of depression, and quality of life (QOL) of caregivers, as well as neuropsychiatric symptoms and QOL of individuals with dementia. A randomized controlled trial was used. Sixty-five participants completed the study. Although variables examined in caregivers in the intervention group showed statistically significant improvement throughout follow up, there was no statistically significant difference between the intervention and comparison groups. In addition, no statistically significant difference was noted between groups for patient variables. Care based on the PLST model was clinically effective in decreasing caregiver burden and depression of family members, and in increasing their QOL, but no more effective than routine care. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 42(7), 44-54.].

Can an Elective Geriatric Nursing Course Change Nursing Students' Attitudes and Willingness in Caring for the Elderly? A Quasi-Experimental Design Study

GERİATRİ HEMŞİRELİĞİ SEÇMELİ DERSİ HEMŞİRELİK ÖĞRENCİLERİNİN YAŞLI BAKIMI KONUSUNDAKİ TUTUM VE İSTEKLİLİĞİNİ DEĞİŞTİREBİLİR Mİ? YARI DENEYSEL BİR ARAŞTIRMA Introduction: The elderly population is rapidly growing, and healthcare professionals are currently providing increased care for the elderly. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of an elective geriatric nursing course on the attitude of students toward the elderly and students’ willingness to work with them. Materials and Method: This study was a quasi-experimental. Pretest-posttest design was used. The sample comprised 108 nursing students (46 of the students were educated in an elective geriatric nursing course, 62 were educated in an elective emergency and surgery nursing course). The Student Information Form and Kogan’s Attitudes Towards Old People Scale were used. Value, average, percentage frequency distribution, paired t tests, independent t test, McNemar’s test, and chi-square test were used. Results: Students who participated in the elective geriatric nursing course developed more positive and less negative attitudes toward the elderly after the course in comparison with students who participated in the elective emergency and surgery nursing course. Conclusion: It is important that the curriculum of the geriatric nursing course should create awareness and knowledge in students regarding care of and attitudes toward the elderly. Adopting a more positive and less negative attitude ensures a higher quality care for the elderly. There is a need to revise the nursing curriculum and develop innovative schemes that will increase the students’ willingness to work with the elderly.

Reliability and Validity of the Turkish Version of the Caregiver Reaction Assessment Scale

ABSTRACT The scales need to be adapted for the society so that they can be used. This study aims to assess the reliability and validity of the Caregiver Reaction Assessment Scale. The phases of the testing of the scale included the translation and adaptation of the Preparedness for Caregiving Scale construct analysis by an expert group, and pre-test and psychometric evaluation (factor analysis, reliability coefficient and inter-item correlations). Pearson Correlation analysis of the results showed a significant positive relationship between test-retest scores of the scale (r= .775, p= .000; t=781, p= .439). Cronbach alpha coefficient was α=.88 and standardized α value was .89. The scale explains the fifty-six percent of total variance. The scales were found to be reliable and valid in Turkish population. These findings suggest that the Turkish version of the instrument is available for measuring specific aspects of the caregiving experience in the Turkish population.

The effects of support groups on dementia caregivers: A mixed method study

ABSTRACT The aim of this qualitative and quantitative study was to understand the effects of support group interventions on the caregiving burden of individuals providing care for people with dementia. This study used the Caregiver Burden Inventory, and focus group interviews (18 caregivers), which were conducted using a semi‐structured interview form. The initial study sample was 37 primary caregivers; however, the final analysis included 30 caregivers. The quantitative data were analyzed by paired sample t‐test. The interviews being analyzed using content analysis. It was found that there was a significant decrease in the scores for total burden (p = 0.049), social burden (p = 0.008) and emotional burden (p = 0.000) after the intervention. The content analyze revealed three main themes (“having knowledge,” “calming down,” and “acceptance”). Overall, it was concluded that support groups are effective in reducing caregiver burden.