Social Media-based Electronic Bibliotherapy for Dementia Caregivers

This randomized controlled trial aims to assess the efficacy of social media-based electronic bibliotherapy in improving the well-being of informal caregivers. Sixty informal caregivers of people with dementia were recruited and randomly allocated to the social media-based electronic bibliotherapy group or usual care group. Participants in the social media-based electronic bibliotherapy group received eight weekly e-bibliotherapy sessions. The control group only accepted the usual care provided by community services, but they received the same intervention materials as the intervention group after project completion. Mental health, caregiving appraisal, health-related quality of life, and psychological well-being were measured to test the intervention's effects immediately after completion. Individual interviews were conducted to explore caregivers' experiences participating in this study within two weeks after completing the intervention.

Inclusion criteria

• caregivers providing regular care to individuals with mild to moderately severe dementia (Global Deterioration Scale=4~6 of any type), requiring at least five hours per week for a minimum duration of six months;
• aged 18 or above;
• not receiving payment for caregiving services rendered;
• assisting with at least one daily activity of the care recipient;
• possessing reading ability;
• utilized social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and WeChat for over six months.

Exclusion criteria

• caregivers with unstable physical or mental conditions;
• caregivers unable to communicate logically;
• involvement in another interventional study