Translation and cultural adaptation of the Positive Aspects of Caregiving Scale for caregivers of people living with dementia in Brazilian context: a methodological study.

BACKGROUND: The Positive Aspects of Caregiving (PAC) scale is used to assess psychosocial benefits provided to caregivers by the task of caring. The PAC scale consists of nine items, assessed using a five-point Likert scale, with higher values indicating greater positive perceptions and gains from the caregiving experience. OBJECTIVE: To translate and culturally adapt the PAC scale for informal Brazilian caregivers of people with dementia. DESIGN AND SETTING: A methodological study was conducted at the Federal University of São Carlos. METHODS: The following stages were carried out: Translation; Synthesis of the translations; Back-translation; Evaluation by an experts' committee; and Pre-test. RESULTS: Two independent professionals translated the PAC scale. The consensus version was obtained by merging both translations, which were back-translated into English by a third translator. The expert committee comprised three specialists in the area and project researchers. All scale items presented a Content Validity Index of 1 (CVI = 1.0), and thus remained in the pre-final version of the instrument. The instrument was pre-tested with seven caregivers of people with dementia, the majority of whom were women (57.1%), with a degree of kinship corresponding to sons/daughters (57.1%) and an average age of 55.2 (± 4.1) years. The caregivers considered it clear and understandable and made no suggestions for changes. CONCLUSION: The PAC scale was translated and culturally adapted for use by informal caregivers of people with dementia in Brazil. However, a psychometric analysis of the instrument is necessary to provide normative data for this population group.

The Association of Levels of Mindfulness on the Cognitive Performance of Community-Dwelling, Low-Educated Older Adults From a Middle-Income Country.

Limited information exists on the potential link between levels of mindfulness and cognitive performance in seniors with low education. This cross-sectional study aims to explore the association between mindfulness levels and cognitive performance in older adults with different years of education. Participants were grouped by education levels and assessed for cognitive performance (ACE-R; Digit Span test), levels of mindfulness (Langer Mindfulness Scale-21), and depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale-15). Group comparisons, correlations, and linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted (p < .05). Cognitive performance, mindfulness levels, and depressive symptoms differed between groups, and correlations were found between mindfulness levels, ACE-R, and Digit Span scores. After controlling for education, the association between mindfulness levels and ACE-R performance remained significant. Logistic regression revealed that higher education and mindfulness levels increased the likelihood of scoring above the ACE-R cut-off. This study underscores the association between levels of mindfulness and cognitive performance in older adults.

Translation and cultural adaptation of the Positive Aspects of Caregiving Scale for caregivers of people living with dementia in Brazilian context: a methodological study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The Positive Aspects of Caregiving (PAC) scale is used to assess psychosocial benefits provided to caregivers by the task of caring. The PAC scale consists of nine items, assessed using a five-point Likert scale, with higher values indicating greater positive perceptions and gains from the caregiving experience. OBJECTIVE: To translate and culturally adapt the PAC scale for informal Brazilian caregivers of people with dementia. DESIGN AND SETTING: A methodological study was conducted at the Federal University of São Carlos. METHODS: The following stages were carried out: Translation; Synthesis of the translations; Back-translation; Evaluation by an experts' committee; and Pre-test. RESULTS: Two independent professionals translated the PAC scale. The consensus version was obtained by merging both translations, which were back-translated into English by a third translator. The expert committee comprised three specialists in the area and project researchers. All scale items presented a Content Validity Index of 1 (CVI = 1.0), and thus remained in the pre-final version of the instrument. The instrument was pre-tested with seven caregivers of people with dementia, the majority of whom were women (57.1%), with a degree of kinship corresponding to sons/daughters (57.1%) and an average age of 55.2 (± 4.1) years. The caregivers considered it clear and understandable and made no suggestions for changes. CONCLUSION: The PAC scale was translated and culturally adapted for use by informal caregivers of people with dementia in Brazil. However, a psychometric analysis of the instrument is necessary to provide normative data for this population group.

Efficacy of iSupport-Brasil for unpaid caregivers of people living with dementia: protocol for a randomized and controlled clinical trial.

Unpaid caregivers of people living with dementia tend to suffer mental health problems as a result of the negative effects associated with the care tasks. Thus, psychosocial interventions for this population group are necessary. iSupport is an online support program for caregivers that was created by the World Health Organization. Objective: To describe the design of a randomized clinical trial to measure the efficacy of the iSupport-Brasil version on caregivers' mental health and well-being. Methods: The participants will be randomized into Intervention Group (IG) (n=195) and Control Group (CG) (n=195). For three months, the IG will access the iSupport-Brasil platform, the CG will enter the electronic page of the Brazilian Alzheimer's Association, and both groups will be emailed the preliminary version of the "Guia de cuidados para a pessoa idosa" e-book (a guide to providing care to the elderly) from the Ministry of Health. The data will be collected at three moments: baseline, and three and six months after the beginning of the intervention. Results: It is expected that it will be possible to provide diverse validity evidence about iSupport-Brasil as an online and free intervention alternative, as a preventive means and as a way to promote mental health among caregivers of people living with dementia. Conclusion: Through the evaluation protocol of this randomized clinical trial on the effects of the iSupport-Brasil program, it may become a reference for countries that plan to adapt and improve the iSupport program using digital health solutions.

Cuidadores informais de pessoas que vivem com demência tendem a sofrer problemas de saúde mental como resultado dos efeitos negativos associados às tarefas de cuidado. Assim, intervenções psicossociais para essa população são necessárias. O iSupport é um programa de apoio online para cuidadores criado pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. Objetivo: Descrever o desenho de um ensaio clínico randomizado para medir a eficácia da versão iSupport-Brasil na saúde mental e no bem-estar de cuidadores. Métodos: Os participantes serão randomizados em Grupo Intervenção (GI) (n=195) e Grupo Controle (GC) (n=195). Durante três meses, o GI acessará a plataforma iSupport-Brasil, o CG entrará na página eletrônica da Associação Brasileira de Alzheimer e ambos os grupos receberão por e-mail a versão preliminar do e-book Guia de cuidados para a pessoa idosa, do Ministério da Saúde. Os dados serão coletados em três momentos: linha de base, três e seis meses após o início da intervenção. Resultados: Espera-se que seja possível fornecer diversas evidências sobre os efeitos do iSupport-Brasil como alternativa de intervenção online e gratuita, de forma a promover a saúde mental entre os cuidadores de pessoas que vivem com demência. Conclusão: O protocolo de avaliação deste ensaio clínico randomizado sobre os efeitos do programa iSupport-Brasil pode se tornar uma referência para os países que planejam adaptar e melhorar esta intervenção, usando soluções digitais de saúde.

A sobrecarga de cuidadores: como as características de idosos e seus cuidadores se articulam / The burden of caregivers: how the characteristics of the elderly and their caregivers articulate / La sobrecarga de los cuidadores: cómo se articulan las características de los ancianos y sus cuidadores

Objetivo: analisar a associação entre as características de idosos e cuidadores e seus impactos na sobrecarga dos cuidadores. Método: em 2021, foram avaliados 50 pares de cuidadores informais e idosos pelo perfil sociodemográfico, de saúde, Escala Hospitalar de Ansiedade e Depressão (HADS), Entrevista de Sobrecarga de Zarit-Brief (ZBI-12) e informações sobre grau de dependência dos idosos para atividades básicas e instrumentais (ABVD e AIVD). Modelos de regressão avaliaram os escores ZBI-12 e HADS em função das características dos cuidadores e idosos assistidos. O protocolo de pesquisa foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa. Resultados: alta morbidade e dependência para ABVD foram significativamente associadas a maiores níveis de sobrecarga do cuidador. Essas características perderam significância quando ajustado o modelo por idade do cuidador, tempo que presta o cuidado e convivência com o idoso. Conclusão: esses resultados revelam a necessidade de intervenções para garantir suporte aos cuidadores quanto a diminuição da sobrecarga relacionada ao cuidado.

Objective: to analyze the association between the characteristics of elderly people and caregivers and their impact on caregiver burden. Method: in 2021, 50 pairs of informal caregivers and their elderly were evaluated through the sociodemographic and health profile, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Zarit-Brief Burden Interview (ZBI-12), and information on the degree of dependence of the elderly for basic and instrumental activities (BADL and IADL). Regression models evaluated ZBI-12 and HADS scores as a function of characteristics of caregivers and assisted elderly. The research protocol was approved by the Research Ethics Committee. Results: high morbidity and BADL dependence were significantly associated with higher levels of caregiver burden. These characteristics lost significance when we adjusted the model for the caregiver's age, time that provides care, and living with the elderly. Conclusion: these results reveal the need for interventions to guarantee support for caregivers in terms of reducing the burden related to the care.

Objetivo: analizar la asociación entre las características de ancianos y sus cuidadores y el correspondiente impacto en la sobrecarga de los cuidadores. Método: en 2021, se evaluaron 50 pares de cuidadores informales y sus ancianos a través del perfil sociodemográfico, de salud, Escala de Ansiedad y Depresión Hospitalaria (HADS), Escala de Zarit Reducida para la Sobrecarga (ZBI-12) e información sobre el grado de dependencia de los ancianos respecto a actividades básicas e instrumentales (ABVD y AIVD). Modelos de regresión evaluaron las puntuaciones de ZBI-12 y HADS en función de las características de los cuidadores y ancianos asistidos. El Comité de Ética en Investigación aprobó protocolo de investigación. Resultados: la alta morbilidad y la dependencia de BADL se asociaron significativamente con niveles más altos de sobrecarga del cuidador. Estas características perdieron su importancia cuando ajustamos el modelo por la edad del cuidador, tiempo que proporciona cuidados y convivencia con los ancianos. Conclusión: estos resultados revelan la necesidad de intervenciones para garantizar apoyo a los cuidadores para reducir la sobrecarga relacionada con el cuidado.

Efficacy of iSupport-Brasil for unpaid caregivers of people living with dementia: protocol for a randomized and controlled clinical trial / Eficácia do iSupport-Brasil para cuidadores informais de pessoas que vivem com demência: protocolo de um ensaio clínico randomizado e controlado

ABSTRACT. Unpaid caregivers of people living with dementia tend to suffer mental health problems as a result of the negative effects associated with the care tasks. Thus, psychosocial interventions for this population group are necessary. iSupport is an online support program for caregivers that was created by the World Health Organization. Objective: To describe the design of a randomized clinical trial to measure the efficacy of the iSupport-Brasil version on caregivers' mental health and well-being. Methods: The participants will be randomized into Intervention Group (IG) (n=195) and Control Group (CG) (n=195). For three months, the IG will access the iSupport-Brasil platform, the CG will enter the electronic page of the Brazilian Alzheimer's Association, and both groups will be emailed the preliminary version of the "Guia de cuidados para a pessoa idosa" e-book (a guide to providing care to the elderly) from the Ministry of Health. The data will be collected at three moments: baseline, and three and six months after the beginning of the intervention. Results: It is expected that it will be possible to provide diverse validity evidence about iSupport-Brasil as an online and free intervention alternative, as a preventive means and as a way to promote mental health among caregivers of people living with dementia. Conclusion: Through the evaluation protocol of this randomized clinical trial on the effects of the iSupport-Brasil program, it may become a reference for countries that plan to adapt and improve the iSupport program using digital health solutions.

RESUMO. Cuidadores informais de pessoas que vivem com demência tendem a sofrer problemas de saúde mental como resultado dos efeitos negativos associados às tarefas de cuidado. Assim, intervenções psicossociais para essa população são necessárias. O iSupport é um programa de apoio online para cuidadores criado pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. Objetivo: Descrever o desenho de um ensaio clínico randomizado para medir a eficácia da versão iSupport-Brasil na saúde mental e no bem-estar de cuidadores. Métodos: Os participantes serão randomizados em Grupo Intervenção (GI) (n=195) e Grupo Controle (GC) (n=195). Durante três meses, o GI acessará a plataforma iSupport-Brasil, o CG entrará na página eletrônica da Associação Brasileira de Alzheimer e ambos os grupos receberão por e-mail a versão preliminar do e-book Guia de cuidados para a pessoa idosa, do Ministério da Saúde. Os dados serão coletados em três momentos: linha de base, três e seis meses após o início da intervenção. Resultados: Espera-se que seja possível fornecer diversas evidências sobre os efeitos do iSupport-Brasil como alternativa de intervenção online e gratuita, de forma a promover a saúde mental entre os cuidadores de pessoas que vivem com demência. Conclusão: O protocolo de avaliação deste ensaio clínico randomizado sobre os efeitos do programa iSupport-Brasil pode se tornar uma referência para os países que planejam adaptar e melhorar esta intervenção, usando soluções digitais de saúde.

Factors associated with symptoms of physical and emotional burden in informal caregivers of the elderly.

OBJECTIVES: to analyze the personal and work-related burden factors associated with physical and emotional symptoms of informal caregivers of the elderly. METHODS: cross-sectional study conducted with 121 informal caregivers and 121 seniors who received care, assessed individually for the risk of: physical overload, musculoskeletal symptoms, Self-Reporting Questionnaire, effort perception, and Katz index. RESULTS: a greater perception of effort raises up to 3.3 times the chances of presenting symptoms of pain in the spine region (p=0.01), and lower functional capacity of the elderly increases up to 1.3 times the chances of presenting pain symptoms in the spine region (p=0.02). The symptoms of emotional overload were associated with the caregiver's low income (p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: the perception of effort, dependence of the elderly, caregiver's age, and symptoms of emotional overload are involved with caregivers' symptoms of physical overload, and low income, with emotional overload.

ISupport-Brasil: Preliminary results of the usability and acceptability assessment by caregivers of people who have dementia.

Objective: To assess usability and acceptability of iSupport-Brasil (iSupport-BR) to virtually support family caregivers of people who have dementia. Materials and methods: In the first stage, nine caregivers/former caregivers assessed the interface of the platform that hosts iSupport-BR. In the second stage, 10 caregivers assessed acceptability of the platform and answered the System Usability Scale (SUS), which varies from 0 to 100 points. A descriptive analysis of the quantitative data was performed, as well as a thematic analysis on the open questions. All the ethical aspects were respected. Results: The results of the first stage indicated a user-friendly interface of the system and relevant content of the program, with 55.6 and 77.8% of the participants assigning the maximum grade to these questions, respectively. Of the five possible points, the system's mean score was 3.7. In Stage 2, 80% of the caregivers rated the program as very useful and 100% would recommend it to other caregivers. Perception of the program's usability by the SUS scale was excellent (M = 86.5 ± 11.5). Conclusion: This research allowed elaborating the final version of iSupport-BR, considering usability and acceptability of the platform and the program for computers/notebooks, being a pioneer in evaluating it for use in smartphones. Future research studies will have to assess the effects of iSupport-BR on the caregivers' mental health.

Cultural factors associated with burden in unpaid caregivers of older adults: A systematic review.

The aim of the present systematic review was to investigate cultural factors associated with burden in unpaid caregivers of older adults. Searches were conducted in the Pubmed, Web of Science, PsycInfo, Scopus, Embase, LILACs and SciELO databases for relevant articles published in English, Portuguese and Spanish using the search terms 'Caregiver AND Culture AND (Burnout OR Caregiver Burden) AND Aged'. No restriction was imposed regarding year of publication. A total of 1234 articles were identified, 34 of which were selected for the present review. The following sociodemographic characteristics were associated with burden: being female, married, White caregivers, young and the spouse of the care recipient; having no siblings; having low schooling and low economic status. Cultural factors associated with burden were living with the care recipient, not professing a religion or having little spirituality, familism (i.e. less reciprocity) and an absence of social support. The present findings underscore the importance of developing intervention strategies that consider cultural factors to minimise the negative impacts of care on unpaid caregivers of older adults.

Usability and acceptability of internet-based interventions for family carers of people living with dementia: systematic review.

Objectives: Internet-based interventions can help carers of people living with dementia to cope with care-related challenges and can help improve their wellbeing. This systematic review aimed at investigating the criteria of usability and acceptability of self-guided internet-based interventions for family carers of people living with dementia. Method: Searches were conducted on PubMed, Virtual Health Library Regional Portal (Americas), MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Cochrane. Studies published up to December 2019, in English, Portuguese, or Spanish, were eligible. We followed the definition/criteria from ISO ISO-9241-11 for usability (efficiency, effectiveness, and satisfaction) and acceptability (barriers for using and utility). Methodological quality was evaluated using specific tools according to each study design. Results: Ten studies were included, all of which had high methodological quality. Carers of people living with dementia indicated that internet-based interventions were mostly effective, efficient, and satisfactory. They considered these to be informative, relevant, and functional, highlighting the utility and intention of using the resource in the future. The high heterogeneity in the terms and methods used to evaluate usability and acceptability hindered cross-study comparisons, however internet-based interventions were considered useful and acceptable by most carers. Conclusion: Future research should consider expanding the criteria of usability and acceptability to better reflect the needs of this population.

Factors associated with symptoms of physical and emotional burden in informal caregivers of the elderly / Fatores associados aos sintomas de sobrecarga física e emocional em cuidadores informais de idosos / Factores relacionados a los síntomas de sobrecarga física y emocional en cuidadores informales de ancianos

ABSTRACT Objectives: to analyze the personal and work-related burden factors associated with physical and emotional symptoms of informal caregivers of the elderly. Methods: cross-sectional study conducted with 121 informal caregivers and 121 seniors who received care, assessed individually for the risk of: physical overload, musculoskeletal symptoms, Self-Reporting Questionnaire, effort perception, and Katz index. Results: a greater perception of effort raises up to 3.3 times the chances of presenting symptoms of pain in the spine region (p=0.01), and lower functional capacity of the elderly increases up to 1.3 times the chances of presenting pain symptoms in the spine region (p=0.02). The symptoms of emotional overload were associated with the caregiver's low income (p=0.02). Conclusions: the perception of effort, dependence of the elderly, caregiver's age, and symptoms of emotional overload are involved with caregivers' symptoms of physical overload, and low income, with emotional overload.

RESUMO Objetivos: analisar os fatores de sobrecarga pessoal e relacionados ao trabalho associados a sintomas físicos e emocionais de cuidadores informais de idosos. Método: estudo transversal realizado com 121 cuidadores informais e 121 idosos que recebem cuidados, avaliados individualmente pelo risco de sobrecarga física, sintomas musculoesqueléticos, Self-Reporting Questionnaire, percepção de esforço e Índice de Katz. Resultados: uma maior percepção do esforço aumenta até 3,3 vezes as chances de apresentar sintomas de dor na região da coluna vertebral (p=0,01), e a menor capacidade funcional do idoso aumenta até 1,3 vez as chances de apresentar sintomas de dor na região da coluna vertebral (p=0,02). Os sintomas de sobrecarga emocional apresentaram associação com a baixa renda do cuidador (p=0,02). Conclusões: a percepção do esforço, dependência do idoso, idade do cuidador e sintomas de sobrecarga emocional estão envolvidos com os sintomas de sobrecarga física dos cuidadores; e a baixa renda, com sintomas de sobrecarga emocional.

RESUMEN Objetivos: analizar factores de sobrecarga personal y relacionados al trabajo relacionados a síntomas físicos y emocionales de cuidadores informales de ancianos. Métodos: estudio transversal realizado con 121 cuidadores informales y 121 ancianos que reciben cuidados, evaluados individualmente por riesgo de sobrecarga física, síntomas musculoesqueléticos, Self-Reporting Questionnaire, percepción de esfuerzo e Índice de Katz. Resultados: una mayor percepción del esfuerzo aumenta hasta 3,3 veces las chances de presentar síntomas de dolor en la región de la columna vertebral (p=0,01), y la menor capacidad funcional del anciano aumenta hasta 1,3 vez las chances de presentar síntomas de dolor en la región de la columna vertebral (p=0,02). Los síntomas de sobrecarga emocional presentaron relación a baja renta del cuidador (p=0,02). Conclusiones: la percepción del esfuerzo, dependencia del anciano, edad del cuidador y síntomas de sobrecarga emocional están involucrados a síntomas de sobrecarga física de cuidadores; y baja renta, con síntomas de sobrecarga emocional.

Musculoskeletal symptoms in formal and informal caregivers of elderly people / Sintomas musculoesqueléticos em cuidadores formais e informais de idosos / Síntomas musculoesqueléticos en cuidadores formales e informales de ancianos

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate musculoskeletal symptoms in formal and informal caregivers of elderly people, and check association with personal and work-related factors. Methods: this is a cross-sectional study. Instruments for assessment were the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20, Borg's effort perception scale and Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Results: informal caregivers had been working for a longer time (60.2% vs. 41%), had more hours of work (37.4% >12h for day), less time off (85.4% vs. 2.5%) and lack of care guidelines (90.2%). The region with the most musculoskeletal symptoms was the spine and the greater dependence of the elderly, the greater the chances of developing musculoskeletal symptoms (OR= 1.3, 95% CI= 1.1-1.6, p <0.05). Conclusion: personal and work-related factors were more prevalent in informal group and the elderly person's dependence interferes with the increase in musculoskeletal symptoms of caregivers.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar sintomas musculoesqueléticos em cuidadores formais e informais de idosos e verificar a associação com fatores pessoais e relacionados ao trabalho. Método: Trata-se de um estudo transversal. Os instrumentos para avaliação foram o Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física (IPAQ), Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20, Escala de Percepção de Esforço de Borg e o Questionário Nórdico de Sintomas Musculoesqueléticos. Resultados: Cuidadores informais trabalhavam há mais tempo (60,2% vs. 41%), tinham mais horas de trabalho (37,4% >12 h por dia), menos tempo de folga (85,4% vs. 2,5%) e falta de orientações de cuidado (90,2%). A região com mais sintomas musculoesqueléticos foi a coluna vertebral; e, quanto maior a dependência dos idosos, maiores foram as chances de desenvolver sintomas musculoesqueléticos (OR= 1,3, 95% CI= 1,1-1,6, p <0,05). Conclusão: Fatores pessoais e relacionados ao trabalho foram mais prevalentes em cuidadores informais, e a dependência do idoso interferiu no aumento dos sintomas musculoesqueléticos dos cuidadores.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar los síntomas musculoesqueléticos en cuidadores formales e informales de los ancianos y verificar la asociación con factores personales y laborales. Métodos: Estudiotransversal. Los instrumentos para la evaluación fueron el Cuestionario Internacional de Actividad Física (IPAQ), Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20, Escala de Percepción del Esfuerzo de Borg y el Cuestionario Nórdico de Síntomas Musculoesqueléticos. Resultados: Los cuidadores informales trabajaron más tiempo (60,2% vs. 41%), tuvieron más horas de trabajo (37,4% >12h por día), menos tiempo libre (85,4% vs. 2,5%) y falta de pautas de atención (90,2%). La región con más síntomas musculoesqueléticos fue la columna vertebral y, cuanto mayor la dependencia de los ancianos, mayores son las posibilidades de desarrollar síntomas musculoesqueléticos (OR= 1.3, 95% CI= 1.1-1.6, p <0.05). Conclusión: Factores personales y relacionados con el trabajo fueron más frecuentes en los cuidadores informales y la dependencia de los ancianos interfiere con el aumento de los síntomas musculoesqueléticos en cuidadores.

Musculoskeletal symptoms in formal and informal caregivers of elderly people.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate musculoskeletal symptoms in formal and informal caregivers of elderly people, and check association with personal and work-related factors. METHODS: this is a cross-sectional study. Instruments for assessment were the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20, Borg's effort perception scale and Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. RESULTS: informal caregivers had been working for a longer time (60.2% vs. 41%), had more hours of work (37.4% >12h for day), less time off (85.4% vs. 2.5%) and lack of care guidelines (90.2%). The region with the most musculoskeletal symptoms was the spine and the greater dependence of the elderly, the greater the chances of developing musculoskeletal symptoms (OR= 1.3, 95% CI= 1.1-1.6, p <0.05). CONCLUSION: personal and work-related factors were more prevalent in informal group and the elderly person's dependence interferes with the increase in musculoskeletal symptoms of caregivers.

Intervenção baseada em Mindfulness para cuidadores de idosos com demência / Mindfulness-based intervention for caregivers of older adults with dementia / Intervención basada en mindfulness para cuidadores de personas mayores con demência

OBJETIVO: analisar os efeitos da Intervenção baseada em Mindfulness sobre sintomas depressivos, ansiosos e sobrecarga de cuidadores familiares de idosos com demência. MÉTODO: trata-se de um ensaio clínico randomizado e controlado com amostra (n=29) composta por Grupo Intervenção com Mindfulness (GIM) (n=11) e Grupo Controle ativo (GCa) (n=18). Para GIM foram oito encontros (um por semana) aplicando a meditação mindfulness, durante quatro meses, no domicílio, individualmente e para GCa foi realizada uma visita domiciliar com orientações acerca da doença. Foram comparadas as medidas dos sintomas de sobrecarga (Zarit) e sintomas de ansiedade e depressão entre os grupos e analisadas pelos testes t de student, teste de variância simples ANOVA e em seguida o post hoc Bonferroni (α <0,05). RESULTADOS: na análise dois a dois houve redução no nível médio da HAD após a intervenção com a prática de Mindfulness para o grupo intervenção (p=0,048). Ao se comparar todos os grupos entre si, houve diferença entre o grupo GIM pré intervenção e GCa pós intervenção (p=0,021). CONCLUSÃO: de forma geral, a intervenção apresentou melhora no instrumento HAD, destacando a importância da intervenção baseada em Mindfulness para cuidadores de idosos com demência para amenizar sintomas de ansiedade e depressão.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the effects of Intervention with Mindfulness on depressive, anxious symptoms and burden of family caregivers of elderly people with dementia. METHOD: this is a randomized controlled clinical trial with a sample (n = 29) composed of the Intervention Group with Mindfulness (IGM) (n = 11) and the active Control Group (aCG) (n = 18). For IGM there were eight meetings (one per week) applying mindfulness meditation, for four months, at home, individually and for aGC, a home visit was conducted with guidance about the disease. The measures of the symptoms of overload (Zarit) and symptoms of anxiety and depression between the groups were compared and analyzed by Student's t tests, simple ANOVA test of variance and then the post hoc Bonferroni (α <0.05). RESULTS: in the analysis two by two, there was a reduction in the mean level of HAD after the intervention with the practice of Mindfulness for the intervention group (p = 0.048). When all groups were compared, there was a difference between the IGM group before intervention and aGC after intervention (p = 0.021). CONCLUSION: in general, the intervention showed improvement in the HAD instrument, highlighting the importance of Mindfulness-based intervention for caregivers of elderly people with dementia to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

OBJETIVO: analizar los efectos de la intervención con atención plena sobre los síntomas depresivos, ansiosos y la carga de los cuidadores familiares de personas mayores con demencia. MÉTODO: este es un ensayo clínico aleatorizado y controlado con una muestra (n = 29) compuesta por el Grupo de intervención con atención plena (GIM) (n = 11) y el Grupo de control activo (GCa) (n = 18). Para GIM hubo ocho reuniones (una por semana) aplicando meditación de atención plena, durante cuatro meses, en el hogar, individualmente y para CGa, se realizó una visita al hogar con orientación sobre la enfermedad. Las medidas de los síntomas de sobrecarga (Zarit) y los síntomas de ansiedad y depresión entre los grupos se compararon y analizaron mediante las pruebas t de Student, la prueba de varianza ANOVA simple y luego el Bonferroni post hoc (α <0.05). RESULTADOS: en el análisis de dos por dos, hubo una reducción en el nivel medio de HAD después de la intervención con la práctica de Mindfulness para el grupo de intervención (p = 0.048). Cuando se compararon todos los grupos, hubo una diferencia entre el grupo GIM antes de la intervención y el GCa después de la intervención (p = 0,021). CONCLUSIÓN: en general, la intervención mostró una mejora en el instrumento HAD, destacando la importancia de la intervención basada en la atención plena para los cuidadores de personas mayores con demencia para aliviar los síntomas de ansiedad y depresión.

Burnout syndrome in informal caregivers of older adults with dementia: A systematic review.

Dementia is a constant concern for the public health system. Also, it impacts family members who provide informal care, often culminating in overload due to the emotional stress and physical distress of caregivers. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to identify the consequences of Burnout Syndrome in informal caregivers of older adults with dementia. METHODS: The search was performed spanning the last 10 years, in English, Portuguese or Spanish. The databases used were PubMed, SciELO, Web of Science and LILACS. The descriptors were obtained from MeSH and DeCS, which were, "caregivers", "burnout", "aged", "psychological stress" and "dementia". The selected articles included studies conducted with informal caregivers of community-dwelling older adults diagnosed with any type of dementia. The excluded articles had the following characteristics: the participants were not informal caregivers, the older adults were not diagnosed with dementia, or the main theme was not related to the Burnout Syndrome. RESULTS: Initially, 1,208 articles were found. One hundred and forty-six were eliminated because they were duplicates. A further 1,033 were excluded because they did not meet the inclusion criteria. Twenty-nine studies were selected for full reading and 22 were excluded, giving 7 studies for inclusion in this review. CONCLUSION: The results showed that the Burnout Syndrome negatively affected caregivers' quality of life and was associated with patient depressive and anxious symptoms and abusive behavior by caregiver. There is a need for studies with interventions addressing this issue.

A demência é uma preocupação constante para o sistema público de saúde. Além disso, traz impactos para os familiares que oferecem cuidados informais, culminando frequentemente em sobrecarga, devido ao estresse emocional e desgaste físico dos cuidadores. OBJETIVO: Esta revisão sistemática objetivou identificar as consequências da Síndrome de Burnout em cuidadores informais de idosos com demência. MÉTODOS: A busca foi feita considerando-se os últimos 10 anos, nos idiomas inglês, português ou espanhol. As bases de dados utilizadas foram PubMed, SciELO, Web of Science e LILACS. Os descritores foram obtidos no MeSH e DeCS, sendo "cuidadores", "burnout", "idoso", "estresse psicológico" e "demência". Os artigos selecionados incluíram estudos desenvolvidos com cuidadores informais de idosos que vivem na comunidade, diagnosticados com qualquer tipo de demência. Os artigos excluídos apresentaram as seguintes características: os participantes não eram cuidadores informais, os idosos não receberam diagnóstico de demência, ou o tema principal não estava relacionado à Síndrome de Burnout. RESULTADOS: Inicialmente, foram encontrados 1.208 artigos. Destes, 146 foram removidos por serem duplicados. Após, 1.033 foram excluídos por não atenderem aos critérios de inclusão. Assim, 29 estudos foram selecionados para leitura na íntegra e 22 foram excluídos. Finalmente, 7 estudos foram selecionados para esta revisão. CONCLUSÃO: De acordo com os resultados, foi possível identificar que a Síndrome de Burnout afeta negativamente a qualidade de vida dos cuidadores e está associada a sintomas depressivos, ansiosos e comportamento abusivo. Há a necessidade de estudos com intervenções que abordem esta temática.

Burnout syndrome in informal caregivers of older adults with dementia: A systematic review / Síndrome de burnout em cuidadores informais de idosos com demência: uma revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT Dementia is a constant concern for the public health system. Also, it impacts family members who provide informal care, often culminating in overload due to the emotional stress and physical distress of caregivers. Objective: This systematic review aimed to identify the consequences of Burnout Syndrome in informal caregivers of older adults with dementia. Methods: The search was performed spanning the last 10 years, in English, Portuguese or Spanish. The databases used were PubMed, SciELO, Web of Science and LILACS. The descriptors were obtained from MeSH and DeCS, which were, "caregivers", "burnout", "aged", "psychological stress" and "dementia". The selected articles included studies conducted with informal caregivers of community-dwelling older adults diagnosed with any type of dementia. The excluded articles had the following characteristics: the participants were not informal caregivers, the older adults were not diagnosed with dementia, or the main theme was not related to the Burnout Syndrome. Results: Initially, 1,208 articles were found. One hundred and forty-six were eliminated because they were duplicates. A further 1,033 were excluded because they did not meet the inclusion criteria. Twenty-nine studies were selected for full reading and 22 were excluded, giving 7 studies for inclusion in this review. Conclusion: The results showed that the Burnout Syndrome negatively affected caregivers' quality of life and was associated with patient depressive and anxious symptoms and abusive behavior by caregiver. There is a need for studies with interventions addressing this issue.

RESUMO A demência é uma preocupação constante para o sistema público de saúde. Além disso, traz impactos para os familiares que oferecem cuidados informais, culminando frequentemente em sobrecarga, devido ao estresse emocional e desgaste físico dos cuidadores. Objetivo: Esta revisão sistemática objetivou identificar as consequências da Síndrome de Burnout em cuidadores informais de idosos com demência. Métodos: A busca foi feita considerando-se os últimos 10 anos, nos idiomas inglês, português ou espanhol. As bases de dados utilizadas foram PubMed, SciELO, Web of Science e LILACS. Os descritores foram obtidos no MeSH e DeCS, sendo "cuidadores", "burnout", "idoso", "estresse psicológico" e "demência". Os artigos selecionados incluíram estudos desenvolvidos com cuidadores informais de idosos que vivem na comunidade, diagnosticados com qualquer tipo de demência. Os artigos excluídos apresentaram as seguintes características: os participantes não eram cuidadores informais, os idosos não receberam diagnóstico de demência, ou o tema principal não estava relacionado à Síndrome de Burnout. Resultados: Inicialmente, foram encontrados 1.208 artigos. Destes, 146 foram removidos por serem duplicados. Após, 1.033 foram excluídos por não atenderem aos critérios de inclusão. Assim, 29 estudos foram selecionados para leitura na íntegra e 22 foram excluídos. Finalmente, 7 estudos foram selecionados para esta revisão. Conclusão: De acordo com os resultados, foi possível identificar que a Síndrome de Burnout afeta negativamente a qualidade de vida dos cuidadores e está associada a sintomas depressivos, ansiosos e comportamento abusivo. Há a necessidade de estudos com intervenções que abordem esta temática.

Intervenção cognitiva domiciliar para cuidadores de idosos com Alzheimer / Home cognitive intervention for elderly with Alzheimer's caregivers

Objetivo: avaliar o efeito de intervenção cognitiva domiciliar sobre a cognição, a sobrecarga e o estresse em cuidadores de idosos com Doença de Alzheimer. Método: trata-se de estudo quantitativo, tipo quaseexperimental, com 17 cuidadores informais de idosos com Doença de Alzheimer. Utilizaram-se o Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACE-R), a Escala de Estresse Percebido (PSS) e a Escala de Sobrecarga de Zarit para a avaliação antes e depois da intervenção. Analisaram-se os resultados pelo SPSS, aplicando-se o test t de student para avaliar o efeito da intervenção. Resultados: identificaram-se mulheres (88,2%), com idade média de 52,5 anos e escolaridade média de 8,8 anos. Constatou-se melhora significativa na cognição geral pelo MEEM (p=0,008) e ACE-R (p= 0,003) e nos domínios atenção (p= 0,004), memória (p= 0,017) e fluência verbal (p= 0,023). Conclusão: avaliou-se pela intervenção cognitiva domiciliar melhora na cognição geral em cuidadores de idosos com Doença de Alzheimer, podendo ser uma importante ferramenta de promoção a saúde.(AU)

Effect of educational status on performance of older adults in digital cognitive tasks: A systematic review.

As people age, cognitive abilities may decline resulting in serious disabilities. Neuropsychological instruments can provide information on the cognitive state of older adults. Researchers worldwide have been using digital cognitive tests to assess cognitive domains. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether educational status affects the performance of older adults on digital cognitive tasks. METHODS: A systematic review of articles in English, Portuguese, or Spanish published in the last 5 years was conducted. The databases searched were SCOPUS, PubMed, Lilacs, Scielo and PsychInfo. The PRISMA method was used. RESULTS: A total of 7,089 articles were initially retrieved. After search and exclusion with justification, seven articles were selected for further review. CONCLUSION: The findings revealed that researchers using digital tasks generally employed paper-based tests to compare results. Also, no association between years of education and test performance was found. Finally, a dearth of studies using digital tests published by Brazilian researchers was evident.

A medida que as pessoas envelhecem, suas habilidades cognitivas podem diminuir, resultando em sérios problemas. Instrumentos neuropsicológicos podem fornecer informações sobre o estado cognitivo dos idosos. Pesquisadores de todo o mundo têm usado testes cognitivos digitais para avaliação da cognição. OBJETIVO: Identificar se a escolaridade interfere no desempenho de idosos em tarefas cognitivas digitais. MÉTODOS: Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática dos últimos cinco anos. Foram escolhidos os idiomas português, inglês e espanhol. As buscas foram realizadas nas bases de dados SCOPUS, PubMed, LILACS, SciELO e PsycINFO. Foi utilizado o método PRISMA. RESULTADOS: Foram encontrados 7.089 artigos, inicialmente. Após as buscas e exclusões de artigos com justificativa, foram selecionados sete artigos para descrição. CONCLUSÃO: Foi possível perceber que, ao utilizar um teste digital, o (a) pesquisador (a) também utiliza testes de papel convencionais para comparação dos resultados. Além disso, não encontrou-se associações entre os testes cognitivos digitais e a escolaridade dos participantes. Por fim, foi possível observar que pesquisadores brasileiros não tem publicado, com frequência, estudos com testes digitais como método de estudo nas bases de dados e período indicados nesta revisão.

Effects of a Health Education program on cognition, mood and functional capacity.

OBJECTIVE:: Assess the effect of a Health Education (HE) program on cognition, mood and functional capacity of participants in a University of The Third Age (U3A). METHOD:: Controlled clinical trial. The HE Program consisted of 10 sessions with group dynamics, including orientations on disease prevention and cognitive stimulation exercises, lasting four months. Intervention Group (IG) n=13; and Control Group (CG) n=15. All were assessed at the start and end of the study, using Addenbrook´s Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACE-R), Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventory (BDI/BAI) and Functional Independence Measure (FIM). RESULTS:: Significant improvements were observed for the IG when comparing the total ACE-R score (p=0.001) and memory domain (p=0.011) before and after the intervention. For the CG, improvement was found in the memory domain only (p=0.027). CONCLUSION:: a HE intervention program benefits the improvement in cognitive performance, particularly the memory of adults and active elderly who participated in a U3A.

Effects of a Health Education program on cognition, mood and functional capacity / Efeitos de um programa de Educação em Saúde na cognição, humor e capacidade funcional / El Efecto de la Educación para la Salud sobre la cognición, humor y capacidad functional

ABSTRACT Objective: Assess the effect of a Health Education (HE) program on cognition, mood and functional capacity of participants in a University of The Third Age (U3A). Method: Controlled clinical trial. The HE Program consisted of 10 sessions with group dynamics, including orientations on disease prevention and cognitive stimulation exercises, lasting four months. Intervention Group (IG) n=13; and Control Group (CG) n=15. All were assessed at the start and end of the study, using Addenbrook´s Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACE-R), Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventory (BDI/BAI) and Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Results: Significant improvements were observed for the IG when comparing the total ACE-R score (p=0.001) and memory domain (p=0.011) before and after the intervention. For the CG, improvement was found in the memory domain only (p=0.027). Conclusion: a HE intervention program benefits the improvement in cognitive performance, particularly the memory of adults and active elderly who participated in a U3A.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito de um programa de Educação em Saúde (ES) na cognição, humor e capacidade funcional de participantes de uma Universidade Aberta da Terceira Idade (UATI). Método: Ensaio clínico controlado. O programa de ES consistiu de 10 sessões com dinâmicas de grupo, incluindo orientações sobre prevenção de doenças e exercícios de estimulação cognitiva, durante quatro meses. Grupo Intervenção (IG) n=13; e Grupo Controle (CG) n=15. Todos foram avaliados no início e no final do estudo, utilizando-se o Addenbrook´s Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACE-R), o Inventário de Depressão e Ansiedade Beck (BDI/BAI) e a Medida de Independência Funcional (FIM). Resultados: observou-se melhora significativa no IG ao comparar o escore do ACE-R (p=0,001) e do domínio memória (p=0,011) antes e após a intervenção. No CG, houve melhora apenas no domínio memória (p=0,027). Conclusão: um programa de ES beneficia a melhoria do desempenho cognitivo, particularmente a memória de participantes ativos de uma UATI.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar los efectos de la Educación para la Salud (ES) en la cognición, humor y capacidad funcional de participantes de una Universidad Abierta de la Tercera Edad. Método: Se trata de un ensayo clínico controlado. El Programa de Educación para la Salud consistió en 10 sesiones con dinámicas de grupo, con orientaciones sobre prevención de enfermedades y ejercicios de estimulación cognitiva, con duración de 4 meses. Participaron 13 personas en el grupo de intervención (GI) y 15 en el grupo control (GC). Todos fueron evaluados al inicio y al término del estudio con los instrumentos Addenbrook´s Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACE-R), Inventario de Depresión y Ansiedad de Beck (BDI/BAI) y con la Medida de la Independencia Funcional (FIM). Resultados: se observaron mejoras significativas en el GI cuando se compararon los resultados del ACE-R (p=0,001) y el dominio de la memoria (p=0,001) antes y después de la intervención. Para el GC fue encontrada una mejora significativa solamente en el dominio de la memoria (p=0.027). Conclusión: Los resultados sugieren que la intervención educativa estudiada tiene efecto beneficioso en el desempeño cognitivo de los participantes de la Universidad Abierta de la Tercera Edad.