title: Caregiver support groups in patients with dementia: a meta-analysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Meta-analysis studies of specific types of support groups are limited. We conducted a review and assessment of the effectiveness of support groups for caregivers of demented patients, and examined the impact of support group characteristics.
  
  
  METHODS
  A search of multiple, electronic databases including the Cochrane Library, Medline, PUBMED, and others was conducted; studies published between 1998 and 2009 were collected. Thirty quantitative journal articles that were true and quasi-experimental controlled trials on support groups for non-professional caregivers, including mutual support, psychoeducational, and educational groups were analyzed. Outcome indicators were psychological well-being, depression, burden, and social outcomes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Support groups showed a significant positive effect on caregivers' psychological well-being (Hedge's g = -0.44, 95% CI = -0.73, -0.15), depression (Hedge's g = -0.40, 95% CI = -0.72, -0.08), burden (Hedge's g = -0.23, 95% CI = -0.33, -0.13), and social outcomes (Hedge's g = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.09, 0.71). The use of theoretical models, and length and intensity of group sessions had a significant impact on the effect sizes for psychological well-being and depression. Ratio of female participation (for psychological well-being and depression) and average age (social outcomes) were significant predictor variables.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Support groups benefit caregivers and findings of this meta-analysis serve as immediate guidance for group facilitators. Future research should include additional outcome variables with our defined factors on effectiveness collected as demographic characteristic data for comparison. A more comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness of support groups is indicated to enhance outcomes for caregivers and patients.
authors.affiliation: Graduate Institute of Nursing, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Ling-Yu
authors.initials: LY
authors.lastname: Chien
authors.forename: Hsin
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Chu
authors.forename: Jong-Long
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Guo
authors.forename: Yuan-Mei
authors.initials: YM
authors.lastname: Liao
authors.forename: Lu-I
authors.initials: LI
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Chiung-Hua
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Kuei-Ru
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Chou
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003704:Dementia / Q000451:nursing*; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012944:Social Support