title: Exploring the effectiveness of an internet-based program for reducing caregiver distress using the iCare Stress Management e-Training Program.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Determine if the online iCare Stress Management e-Training Program reduces stress, bother, depression, and poor life quality for dementia family caregivers (CGs).
  
  
  METHODS
  CGs (N = 150) were randomly assigned to the iCare Condition (ICC) or to the Education/Information-Only Condition (EOC) for a 3-month period. Change in self-report measures of stress (PSS) (primary outcome), caregiver bother(RMBPC), depression (CES-D), and quality of life (PQOL) (secondary outcomes) was determined, along with usage of new information in one's own caregiving.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A mixed ANOVA revealed that change in perceived stress was significant for the ICC but not the EOC (p = .017). Changes in the other measures were not significant. More caregivers in the ICC used the materials in their own caregiving situation than those in the EOC. Roughly one-third of the caregivers enrolled in the study dropped prior to completion.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results are promising, but the high dropout is a concern. Future efforts to improve dropout rate and increase participant engagement are warranted. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to present an evidence-based intervention for CGs via the Internet.
authors: Photozig, Inc, NASA Research Park, Moffett Field, CA 94035-0128, USA.
authors: Bruno
authors: B
authors: Kajiyama
authors: Larry W
authors: LW
authors: Thompson
authors: Tamiko
authors: T
authors: Eto-Iwase
authors: Mio
authors: M
authors: Yamashita
authors: John
authors: J
authors: Di Mario
authors: Yuan
authors: Y
authors: Marian Tzuang
authors: Dolores
authors: D
authors: Gallagher-Thompson
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000544:Alzheimer Disease; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000628:therapy*