Understanding differences between caregivers and non-caregivers in completer rates of Chronic Disease Self-Management Program

- Caregiver status predicted improved completion rate for Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) workshops.
- Factors associated with better completion rate of CDSMP workshops were different for caregivers and non-caregivers.
- Caregivers should be encouraged to attend CDSMP to sustain and improve caregiving for older adults with chronic diseases they care for.

ObjectivesThe Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) was developed to advance participants' self-care of chronic illness and may be offered to both individuals with chronic conditions and their caregivers. Previous studies of CDSMP have identified multiple resulting health benefits for participants as well as factors associated with participants' completion rates. This study investigated differences on these issues between caregiving and non-caregiving participants.Study designSecondary analysis using regression analysis to predict the outcome.MethodsBaseline data were collected directly from adult (over 18 years) participants of CDSMP workshops in New York State from 2012 to 2015 (n = 2685). Multi-level logistic regression analysis was used to compare the difference on completion of workshops (attended four or more of sessions) and contributing factors with the independent variable of whether participants provided care/assistance to a family member or friends with long-term illness or disability. Additional individual-level variables controlled for in the model were age, gender, race/ethnicity, living arrangement, education, the number of chronic conditions and disabilities; as were workshop-level characteristics of class size, language used, workshop leader experience, location urbanity and delivery site type.ResultsParticipants who provided care to family or friends were 28% more likely to complete the workshop compared with those who did not (odds ratio = 1.279, P < 0.05). Different factors influenced the completion of CDSMP workshop for caregivers and non-caregivers.ConclusionsPeople who provide care to others appeared to have stronger motivation to complete the workshops with greater benefits. Agencies offering CDSMP should encourage caregivers to attend.