title: Telephone-based problem-solving intervention for family caregivers of stroke survivors: a randomized controlled trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Intervention trials for stroke caregivers after the early poststroke period are lacking. To address this gap, we examined the effectiveness of a problem-solving intervention (PSI) for stroke caregivers who provided care for at least 6 months and who experienced significant strain in their role.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred twenty-two family caregivers (age = 66.2 years, 77.9% female) were randomly allocated to a PSI or control group. The PSI was composed of 2 home visits and 18 telephone calls delivered over a 3-month intensive intervention and a 9-month maintenance period. PSI and control groups received monthly information letters in addition to usual care. Primary caregiver outcomes were depressive symptoms (measure: Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale) and sense of competence (measure: Sense of Competence Questionnaire).
  
  
  RESULTS
  In covariance analyses, caregivers of the PSI group showed significantly lower levels of depressive symptoms after 3 months (p < .01, d = -.48) and after 12 months (p < .05, d = -.37), but no better sense of competence compared with the control group. Latent growth curve analyses revealed positive significant (p < .05) linear and quadratic effects of PSI on both primary outcomes. No effects, however, were found on caregiver social-problem-solving abilities.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although beneficial effects were observed among caregivers in the PSI group, the lack of effects on problem-solving abilities implies other characteristics of the intervention might account for these benefits. The relative intensity and therapeutic contact during the first 3 months of the intervention may be particularly helpful to caregivers of stroke survivors.
authors.affiliation: Clinic for Geriatric Rehabilitation, Robert-Bosch-Hospital.
authors.forename: Klaus
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Pfeiffer
authors.affiliation: Clinic for Geriatric Rehabilitation, Robert-Bosch-Hospital.
authors.forename: Denis
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Beische
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Eberhard Karls University.
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hautzinger
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Samford University.
authors.forename: Jack W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Berry
authors.affiliation: Clinic for Geriatric Rehabilitation, Robert-Bosch-Hospital.
authors.forename: Julia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wengert
authors.affiliation: Clinic for Geriatric Rehabilitation, Robert-Bosch-Hospital.
authors.forename: Ruth
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hoffrichter
authors.affiliation: Clinic for Geriatric Rehabilitation, Robert-Bosch-Hospital.
authors.forename: Clemens
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Becker
authors.affiliation: Center for Neurorehabilitation, Schmieder Hospitals.
authors.forename: Rudolf
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: van Schayck
authors.affiliation: Department of Educational Psychology, Texas A&M University.
authors.forename: Timothy R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Elliott
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D017028:Caregivers; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011340:Problem Solving; D020521:Stroke / Q000451:nursing*; D017741:Survivors; D013689:Telephone; D013997:Time Factors