title: Experiences and Learning Needs of African American Family Dementia Caregivers.
abstract: Dementia family caregivers display significant rates of psychological and physical symptoms. African Americans (AAs) are disproportionately affected by dementia. African American caregivers display unique patterns of symptomology and responses to interventions designed to promote caregiver well-being. This study analyzed qualitative focus group data from 32 AA caregivers to explore how issues of race and culture may be incorporated into a culturally sensitive intervention for AA dementia family caregivers. Caregivers were asked scripted questions about their caregiving experiences and to suggest alterations to an existing psychoeducation program. Analysis revealed 4 key themes: the tradition of family care, caregiving and caregiving issues, culturally appropriate care, and navigating without a map. Suggestions for an educational program included a focus on developing caregiver skills and knowledge for caregiving, promotion of self-care, and reflection on the AA family and community as resources for care.
authors.affiliation: Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA zoe.blake.samson@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Zoe Blake
authors.initials: ZB
authors.lastname: Samson
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Parker
authors.affiliation: Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
authors.forename: Clinton
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Dye
authors.affiliation: Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
authors.forename: Kenneth
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hepburn
mesh_terms: D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D017028:Caregivers / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology*; D003704:Dementia / Q000208:ethnology / Q000451:nursing*; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013315:Stress, Psychological
keywords: African American; Alzheimer’s; caregiver; culturally sensitive; dementia; focus groups; psychoeducation