UC Davis

Introduction

Low- and middle-income countries have rapidly increasing numbers of people with dementia, yet little evidence on family caregiving interventions. We tested the preliminary efficacy and feasibility of a family caregiving intervention in northern Vietnam.

Methods

Nine clusters comprising 60 family caregivers were randomized to a culturally adapted version of a four- to six-session, multicomponent intervention delivered in-home over 2 to 3 months, or enhanced control. Eligible caregivers were ≥18 years of age and scored ≥6 on the Zarit Burden Inventory (ZBI).

Results

Fifty-one caregivers (85%) completed the study. Using analysis of covariance with 3-month assessment as the outcome and baseline assessment as a covariate, intervention group caregivers had an average ZBI (primary outcome) score 1.2 standard deviation (SD) lower (P = .02) and Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (psychological distress) score 0.7 SD lower (P = .03) than controls.

Discussion

In the first study of its kind in Vietnam, a culturally adapted, manualized, family caregiver intervention was both efficacious and feasible.