Problem-solving training for family caregivers of women with disabilities: A randomized clinical trial

ObjectiveTo examine the effectiveness of an individualized problem-solving intervention provided to family caregivers of women living with severe disabilities.DesignFamily caregivers were randomly assigned to an education-only control group or a problem-solving training (PST) intervention group. Participants received monthly contacts for 1 year.ParticipantsFamily caregivers (64 women, 17 men) and their care recipients (81 women with various disabilities) consented to participate.Main outcome measuresCaregivers completed the Social Problem-Solving Inventory – Revised, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale, the Satisfaction with Life scale, and a measure of health complaints at baseline and in three additional assessments throughout the year.ResultsMultilevel modeling was used to conduct intent-to-treat analyses of change trajectories for each outcome variable. Caregivers who received PST reported a significant linear decrease in depression over time; no effects were observed for caregiver health or life satisfaction. Caregivers who received PST also displayed an increase in constructive problem-solving styles over the year.ConclusionsPST may benefit community-residing family caregivers of women with disabilities, and it may be effectively provided in home-based sessions that include face-to-face visits and telephone sessions.