Qualitative Analysis of the Experiences of Latino Caregivers of People with Dementia with the Pilot Study of the Culturally Adapted STAR-Caregivers Virtual Training and Follow-up Intervention

Abstract

Background:Latino caregivers are at an increased risk of negative health outcomes due to the responsibilities of caring for someone with dementia. Although interventions exist to address caregiver burden, they often do not meet the cultural needs of Latino caregivers. To address the lack of tailored interventions for Latino caregivers of dementia, a cultural adaptation of STAR-Virtual Training Follow-up (STAR-VTF) was conducted. STAR-VTF is an online training program based on an evidence-based program (STAR-Caregivers), designed to teach family caregivers strategies to reduce behavioral distress and manage behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. The cultural adaptations of the STAR-VTF learning modules were pilot-tested with Latino caregivers of persons with dementia. Objective:This qualitative analysis aims to understand to what extent Latino caregivers found the cultural adaptation of the STAR-VTF pilot study helpful and how the program can be improved to meet Latino caregiver needs. Methods:A thematic analysis was conducted of semi-structured interviews with Latino caregivers of persons with dementia who completed the 7-week pilot study (N=14). A codebook was developed using an inductive approach to code the transcribed interviews. Results: Latino caregivers found the program content beneficial and relatable to their caregiving experiences. Components that caregivers found helpful included the dementia education component, the ABC problem-solving component, and the information on self-care. Participants also expressed their satisfaction with the design of learning modules and accompanying workbooks. Areas of improvement highlighted by the participants include adding additional information on dementia care resources, making learning modules more engaging, and enhancing the narration of learning modules. Latino caregivers also shared how they valued the information learned from the modules and would share what they learned with others in their families. Participants also suggested expanding the intervention's reach by partnering with trusted Latino and caregiving organizations. Conclusion:The findings of this qualitative study suggest that the cultural adaptations of the STAR-VTF intervention were viewed favorably by participants. Feedback provided by participants will help inform future refinements of the STAR-VTF intervention. Although further research is needed to test the efficacy of the culturally adapted STAR-VTF intervention, this qualitative analysis provides a helpful insight into caregivers' experiences with the cultural adaptations of the online learning modules.