The effects of a support group on dementia caregivers' burden and depression.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of a support group on depression levels and burden among dementia caregivers in Taiwan.


METHODS
An experimental, pre-intervention postintervention control group design was used in this study. The experimental group received intervention consisting of a 12-week support group for dementia caregivers. A total of 85 subjects were evaluated before intervention, after intervention, and at 1-month follow-up.


RESULTS
(a) The depression level of participants in the experimental group was significantly decreased after the intervention and at 1-month follow-up. (b) There was no significant difference in caregiver's burden after the support group intervention and 1-month follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
The improvement in dementia caregivers' depression levels shows that the support group was effective for reducing caregivers' depression although not effective for relieving their burden of care.
Chu
Hsin
H
National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
Yang
Chyn-Yng
CY
Liao
Yen-Hsueh
YH
Chang
Lu-I
LI
Chen
Chiung-Hua
CH
Lin
Chun-Chieh
CC
Chou
Kuei-Ru
KR
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003704:Dementia / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011594:Psychometrics; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D013624:Taiwan