Online support program for dementia caregivers in Malaysia
iSupport-Malaysia: An Online Psychoeducational Intervention Program for Informal Dementia Caregivers in Malaysia - A Pilot Feasibility Study
This study is testing a new online support program for caregivers of people with dementia in Malaysia to see if it helps them feel less stressed and more mentally healthy compared to using an eBook version.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Sunway University Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Petaling Jaya, Kuala Lumpur and 3 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06883708 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot feasibility study aims to implement and evaluate the iSupport-Malaysia intervention, a web-based psychoeducational program designed for informal caregivers of individuals living with dementia in Malaysia. The study will assess the feasibility of the program's implementation and its acceptability among caregivers, comparing outcomes between the web-based intervention and an eBook version. Key objectives include measuring reductions in caregiver burden and improvements in psychological well-being, such as decreased anxiety and depression. The study targets informal caregivers who provide unpaid care to dementia patients and are regular internet users.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are informal caregivers aged 18 and older who provide unpaid care to individuals living with dementia and experience some psychological distress.
Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include those who have limited comprehension of written Malay or have participated in previous phases of the iSupport-Malaysia studies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the psychological well-being and reduce the burden of informal caregivers of dementia patients.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been few local studies on this topic, the approach of using internet-based interventions for caregiver support has shown promise in other contexts.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 18 years and older, any gender * Able to understand written Malay language * A self-reported caregiver of person living with any form of dementia (defined by a score of ≥ 2 on the AD8) * Provide unpaid care to the PLWD for at least 6 months at the time of recruitment * Experience some extent of psychological distress, such that they should experience some levels of subjective burden (defined by a score of ≥ 4 on the 1-item burden scale ranging from 1 to 10), OR some symptoms of depression OR anxiety (defined by a score of ≥ 8 on either the 'depression' or 'anxiety' subscales of HADS) * Regular internet user, defined as using the internet at least twice a week. Exclusion Criteria: * Already participated in Phase 1 iSupport-Malaysia studies (focus groups, usability testing) * Where another family member in the same household has participated/ currently participating in the iSupport study * Have limited comprehension of written Malay language * Do not have access to a device with an internet connection (e.g. mobile phone, tablet, laptop, desktop) more than twice a week * Unable or unwilling to provide written informed consent
Where this trial is running
Petaling Jaya, Kuala Lumpur and 3 other locations
- University Malaya Medical Centre, Selangor — Petaling Jaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Recruiting)
- Sarawak Heart Centre — Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia (Recruiting)
- Sarawak General Hospital — Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia (Recruiting)
- Sunway University — Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ken Joey Loh, MPsych — Sunway University
- Study coordinator: Alvin Lai Oon Ng, DPsych
- Email: alvinn@sunway.edu.my
- Phone: +603-7491 8622
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.