Effects of an Online Training Program on Quality of Life and Caregiver Burden in Dementia Informal Caregivers.

Abstract

BackgroundInformal caregivers of people living with dementia experience high caregiver burden (CB) and reduced quality of life (QoL), yet evidence on caregiver training remains limited.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of an online training program on caregivers' QoL and CB.MethodsA quasi-experimental pre-post study was conducted. Caregivers completed the WHOQOL-BREF and Zarit Scale at baseline and after a four-week training program.ResultsSixty-four caregivers completed the program; 42.1% reported clinically significant burden at baseline. Following the intervention, improvements in overall QoL (p = 0.001) and reductions in CB (p = 0.031) were observed among caregivers. These changes were greater among caregivers with baseline burden. Higher educational attainment was associated with increased odds of CB (OR = 1.243, 95% CI: 1.053-1.468).ConclusionsOnline caregiver training was associated with improved caregiver well-being and lower CB, supporting its potential integration into dementia care. However, the absence of a control group limits causal inference.