Support groups for caregivers of patients with Dementia: A comparative study

Since the dementias lead to the need for caregivers, a Group for Dementia Caregivers (GC) was set up where the present study compared the psychosocial characteristics, quality of life and caregiver overload in a Group For Dementia Caregivers (GC) with caregivers not involved in this scheme (non–GC). METHODS: 19 primary caregivers counseled by this group (GC group) was studied and compared to a group of 13 caregivers not receiving such counseling (non-GC group). The instruments used were the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-bref), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Caregiver Load Scale (CLS). RESULTS: The two groups did not differ in mean age or gender (P<0.05). GC caregivers had a higher educational level, were service workers where majority were the children of patients. In the Non-CG group, the most frequent occupation was housewife, with most subjects being spouses. The WHOQOL revealed a significant difference (p<0.05) between groups in the physical, social relations and environment domains (GC>Non-GC). The STAI revealed a significant difference (p<0.05) in the Trait subscale (GC>Non-GC), but not in the State subscale. There was no significant difference in CLS. CONCLUSION: The GC appeared to be of benefit to its participants, with probable positive repercussions on the patients, particularly regarding their quality of life.