Factors affecting anxiety symptoms among family carers of people with dementia: A multifaceted approach
Year: 2024
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Dementia presents a significant public health challenge globally, with its prevalence expected to rise substantially in the coming decades. Family carers provide most of the care for individuals with dementia, often experiencing a range of psychological impacts including anxiety symptoms. Despite its high prevalence, anxiety among family carers is often overlooked in research. Understanding the factors affecting anxiety symptoms among family carers of people living with dementia is critical to inform future interventions. Therefore, this project aimed to investigate factors influencing anxiety symptoms among this population. \n \nMethods: Three quantitative studies focused on examining the impact of contextual factors (carer demographics, patient-related stressors, and sleep quality) and individual factors (experiential avoidance and cognitive fusion) on carer anxiety. Two qualitative studies explored the impact of inter- and intrapersonal dynamics within caregiving relationships (emotional connection, communication engagement and sense of self) on carer anxiety. \n \nResults: Quantitative studies revealed the significant direct effects of caregiving hours and sleep quality on carer anxiety and the moderating effect of experiential avoidance and cognitive fusion on the relationship between carer burden and carer anxiety. Qualitative findings demonstrated that a strong emotional connection (strong emotional bond between dyads) and a strong sense of self (having own identity and purpose) could lead to higher and lower levels of anxiety symptoms, respectively. \n \nConclusion: This project contributed to understanding the complex interplay of factors influencing anxiety symptoms among family carers of people living with dementia. Multicomponent interventions incorporating acceptance, mindfulness, self-compassion-based approaches, boundary-setting techniques, and respite care services may be beneficial in targeting identified factors, consequently reducing anxiety symptoms. Further research is needed to address the methodological limitations identified in this project, such as the cross-sectional nature of quantitative studies and the limited diversity of samples in qualitative studies and incorporate insights gained from this project into intervention development.
Author: Van Hout, Elien
Institution: University of East Anglia
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7000465264