title: Effectiveness of web-based versus folder support interventions for young informal carers of persons with mental illness: a randomized controlled trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Compare the impact of two interventions, a web-based support and a folder support, for young persons who care for people who suffer from mental illness.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study was a randomized control trial, following the CONSORT statements, which compared the impact of two interventions. Primary outcome variable was stress, and secondary outcome variables were caring situation, general self-efficacy, well-being, health, and quality of life of young informal carers (N=241). Data were collected in June 2010 to April 2011, with self-assessment questionnaires, comparing the two interventions and also to detect changes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The stress levels were high in both groups at baseline, but decreased in the folder group. The folder group had improvement in their caring situation (also different from the web group), general self-efficacy, well-being, and quality of life. The web group showed increase in well-being.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Young informal carers who take on the responsibility for people close to them; suffer consequences on their own health. They live in a life-situation characterized by high stress and low well-being. This signals a need for support.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The non-significant differences show that each intervention can be effective, and that it depends upon the individual's preferences. This highlights the importance of adopting person-centered approach, in which young persons can themselves choose support strategy.
authors.affiliation: Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, The Institute of Health and Care Science, Sweden; Vårdal Institute, The Swedish Institute for Health Science, Sweden; Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Gothenburg, Sweden. Electronic address: lilas.ali@gu.se.
authors.forename: Lilas
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ali
authors.affiliation: Vårdal Institute, The Swedish Institute for Health Science, Sweden; Linköping University, Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Sweden.
authors.forename: Barbro
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Krevers
authors.affiliation: Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, The Institute of Health and Care Science, Sweden; Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Gothenburg, Sweden.
authors.forename: Nils
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sjöström
authors.affiliation: Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, The Institute of Health and Care Science, Sweden; Vårdal Institute, The Swedish Institute for Health Science, Sweden; Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Gothenburg, Sweden; School of Health and Social Sciences, Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden.
authors.forename: Ingela
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Skärsäter
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D012647:Self-Assessment; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Caregivers; Family; Friends; Mental health; Social support; Web-based intervention; Young persons