Caregiving Stress and Self-Rated Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Mediating Role of Resourcefulness

Family caregivers faced unprecedented circumstances and experienced increased levels of stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Resourcefulness can minimize the effect of stress on health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between caregiving stress during the pandemic, resourcefulness, and self-rated health and assess the mediating effect of resourcefulness. A convenience sample of 70 family caregivers of adults with chronic and/or disabling conditions was recruited using social media groups and professional networking platforms. Data were collected using an online survey and analyzed using linear regression. Mediation analysis was conducted using the PROCESS macro. Higher levels of caregiving stress during the pandemic and lower levels of resourcefulness were associated with worse self-rated health, while controlling for age, employment status, and weekly caregiving hours. Resourcefulness mediated the relationship between caregiving stress and self-rated health. Our findings highlight the importance of assessing the psychological impact of the pandemic on family caregivers’ outcomes. Resourcefulness skills can be targeted to improve the health and well-being of family caregivers during and beyond the pandemic

Family Caregivers’ Experiences and Changes in Caregiving Tasks During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The purpose of this descriptive study was to describe family caregivers’ experiences and changes in caregiving tasks and approaches during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using web-based strategies, 69 family caregivers of adults with chronic or disabling conditions were recruited and completed an online survey about positive and negative caregiving experiences, and ways in which caregiving has changed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (structured questions) and conventional content analysis (open-ended responses). Participants reported concerns about their loved one’s physical and mental health, the limited access to other caregiving sources, and the limited opportunities to maintain personal well-being. Caregiving tasks completed more than usual included providing emotional support, shopping for groceries and essentials, and contacting healthcare providers. Participants modified their caregiving approach by assuming added responsibilities, leveraging technology, and managing a new caregiving routine. Findings indicate that family caregivers experienced additional caregiving challenges and changed caregiving tasks considering the limited resources available

Systematic Review of Technology-Based Interventions Targeting Chronically Ill Adults and Their Caregivers

The purpose of this systematic review is to synthesize the study design features as well as the attributes and outcomes of technology-based health interventions targeting chronically ill adults and their family caregivers. Twenty papers representing 19 studies met the inclusion criteria. Various theoretical foundations or approaches guided the interventions in 11 studies. Interventions either aimed to support patient self-management and improve patient outcomes or enhance shared illness management and improve patient and caregiver outcomes. The interventions included educational, behavioral, and support components and were delivered using various technologies ranging from text messaging to using the Internet. Overall, patients and caregivers expressed improvements in self-management outcomes (or support) and quality of life. Interventions with a dyadic focus reported on interpersonal outcomes, with improvements noted mostly in patients. This review captures an emerging area of science, and findings should be interpreted in light of the methodological limitations of the included studies

A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial of a Teamwork Intervention for Heart Failure Care Dyads

Background: Dyadic heart failure (HF) management can improve outcomes for patients and caregivers and can be enhanced through eHealth interventions. Objective: To evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of an eHealth dyadic teamwork intervention, compared to an attention control condition. Methods: We recruited 29 HF patient-caregiver dyads from inpatient units and randomized dyads to an intervention or a control group. We calculated enrollment and retention rates, described acceptability using interview and questionnaire data, and computed intervention effect sizes. Results: 37% of eligible dyads agreed to participate and 93% of randomized participants completed follow-up questionnaires. Participants found both study conditions to be acceptable. Between-group effect sizes suggested that the intervention led to improvements in relationship quality, self-efficacy, and quality of life for patients and caregivers. Conclusions: Dyadic recruitment from acute care settings is challenging. Findings provide initial evidence that our intervention can contribute to better health outcomes for HF dyads

How Socioeconomic, Health Seeking Behaviours, and Educational Factors Are Affecting the Knowledge and Use of Antibiotics in Four Different Cities in Asia

Antibiotic resistance is occurring widely throughout the world and is affecting people of all ages. Socioeconomic factors, education, use of antibiotics, knowledge of antibiotics, and antibiotic resistance were assessed in four cities in Asia, namely Hong Kong, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Bangkok. A survey using cluster sampling was used in 2021 to collect data on 642 subjects. Hongkongers used less antibiotics and were knowledgeable about using antibiotics to treat diseases, while Shanghainese were knowledgeable about antibiotic resistance. The multi-linear regression model reported that respondents who lived in Hong Kong (β = 0.744 (95% CI: 0.36–1.128), Shanghai (β = 1.65 (95% CI: 1.267–2.032), and Hangzhou (β = 1.393 (95% CI: 0.011–1.775) (reference group: Bangkok), who had higher scores on antibiotics knowledge (β = 0.161 (95% CI: 0.112–0.21)), higher educational attainment (β = 0.46 (95% CI: 0.296–0.625)), and who were more likely to consult a doctor on using antibiotics (β = 1.102 (95% CI: 0.606–1.598)), were more likely to give correct answers about antibiotic resistance, p < 0.001. Older respondents were less likely to answer the items correctly (β = −0.194 (95% CI: −0.333–−0.055), p < 0.01. When educating the public on the proper use of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance, multiple strategies could be considered for people from all walks of life, as well as target different age groups