RNRCTWestern journal of nursing research2025

Pilot Test of Aprendiendo Juntos/Learning Together Demonstrates Improved Self-Efficacy for Providing Care Among Latino Family Caregivers of Persons Living With Dementia.

Carole L White, Byeong Y Choi, Roxana E Delgado and 6 others

PMID 40757954

WHAT IT FOUND

Latino caregivers of people with dementia who took a six-week online course in Spanish or English reported feeling more confident in providing complex care.

The course improved self-efficacy but did not change caregivers' mental health or their view of the patient's behaviors.

Key findings

01Caregivers in the immediate intervention group reported significantly higher self-efficacy for care provision than waitlisted controls after six weeks.

02The intervention improved confidence in managing cognitive signs and general medical responsiveness, but not in managing hypertension or diabetes.

03The program did not improve caregivers' global physical or mental health, nor did it change their appraisal of the care recipient's behaviors.

STILL TO COME

How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs

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What it does not show

The study was a pilot with a small sample (50 participants) and high attrition at 24 weeks, limiting the certainty of the findings. Participants were recruited through specific community and academic channels, so they may not represent all Latino caregivers, particularly those with less access to technology or time. Randomization was not stratified by language preference, leading to an imbalance in English vs Spanish speakers between groups, though this was adjusted for in analysis.

Declared interests

The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The study was supported by a non-U.S. government grant.

The easy way to misread this

Do not assume that improving caregiver confidence automatically leads to better mental health or reduced burden. This study showed significant gains in self-efficacy but no improvement in caregivers' global health or their appraisal of behavioral symptoms.

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