Mindfulness program for caregivers of frail older adults
Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Caregivers of Frail Older Chinese Adults: Testing an Intergenerational Caregiving Model
This study is testing a mindfulness program to see if it helps family caregivers of frail older adults in Hong Kong feel less stressed and anxious compared to other support options.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 240 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT04861610 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of a brief mindfulness-based program designed for family caregivers of frail older adults in Hong Kong. It is a multi-site, three-arm randomized controlled trial comparing the mindfulness intervention with an evidence-based psychoeducation program and treatment-as-usual. A total of 240 caregivers will be recruited and randomly assigned to one of the three groups, with outcomes measured on caregiver burden, depression, anxiety, and other factors. The study will also explore mediating factors such as coping styles and self-efficacy, with a follow-up period of six months to assess the sustainability of the intervention's effects.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adult children or children-in-law of frail elderly individuals who are experiencing caregiver burden.
Not a fit: Patients who are spouses, siblings, or friends of the elderly care receiver, or those caring for individuals with moderate to severe dementia, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly reduce caregiver burden and improve mental health outcomes for caregivers of frail older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with mindfulness-based interventions for caregivers, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Caregivers of frail elderly based on a professional's assessment of Clinical Frailty Scale with a score of 6, indicating a moderate level of frailty or above (Rockwood et al., 2005) * Caregivers being adult children or children in-law of the elder care receiver * Caregivers who are experiencing caregiver burden at the time of study, with scores of 8 or above in Zarit Burden Interview-4 Exclusion Criteria: * impairment, which may present difficulties in comprehending the content of the program * Spouses, siblings, or friends will be excluded * Caregivers of elders with moderate to severe dementia will be excluded and the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale will be administered * Caregivers who had participated in an eight week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction or equivalent
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Herman, Hay-ming LO, PhD — Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Study coordinator: Herman, Hay-ming LO, PhD
- Email: herman.lo@polyu.edu.hk
- Phone: +85296279830
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.