Attitudes and preferences of digitally skilled dementia caregivers towards online psychoeducation: a cross-sectional study

Online interventions have been explored to support informal dementia caregivers. Despite favourable evidence on the effectiveness of such interventions, substantial non-use and dropout attrition are reported. This cross-sectional study characterises attitudes and preferences of digitally skilled dementia caregivers (N = 157) towards online psychoeducational interventions (OPIs) and explores associations of attitudes with sociodemographic, context of care, and internet use variables, as well as with previous use of psychosocial interventions, and valorisation of intervention features. Attitudes towards OPIs were moderately positive, but only one-third of caregivers trusted the effectiveness of OPIs. More participants would choose face-to-face (43%) than online interventions (31.4%). The former were seen as more trustworthy and less prone to dropout. Convenience was the most valued intervention feature, and preferences were stated for OPIs with friendly interfaces, free-of-jargon language and allowing to interact with professionals. The multivariable linear regression model suggests that using the internet at least once a week; having ever used a conventional psychosocial intervention; valuing an intervention for its convenience, sessions of short duration, self-personalisation of the plan, and progress self-monitoring, are associated with more favourable attitudes towards OPIs. Findings from this study should inform on the design, targeting and implementation of OPIs for dementia caregivers.

Automated summary

This cross-sectional study explored the attitudes and preferences of digitally skilled dementia caregivers towards online psychoeducational interventions (OPIs). The findings showed that attitudes towards OPIs were moderately positive, but only one-third of caregivers trusted their effectiveness. More caregivers preferred face-to-face interventions over online interventions, considering them more trustworthy and less prone to dropout. Convenience was the most valued intervention feature, and caregivers expressed a preference for OPIs with friendly interfaces, free-of-jargon language, and the ability to interact with professionals.