Does sense of coherence make a difference to the dementia caregiving experience?

Abstract

Objective: This study examined influences on caregiver burden and perceived gain in the context of dementia caregiving. Method: A cross-sectional correlational study recruited a total of 253 family primary caregivers of Chinese community-dwelling dementia patients from Hong Kong. Data were collected using the Positive Aspect of Caregiving instrument, and Sense of Coherence Scale from the family caregivers. The Revised Memory and Behavioural Problem Checklist measured dementia symptom severity. Socio-demographic data and caregiving history were also collected. Data were analyzed using hierarchical regression analysis. Findings: After adjusting for the effects of the caregiving relationship, symptom severity and duration of caregiving, a sense of coherence was found to independently predict a higher level of caregiving gain, with Beta = 0.201 (p=0.008) and a lower level of caregiver burden Beta = 0.241 (p=0.005). Caregiver support interventions may incorporate strategies to promote a higher sense of coherence.