The effect of educational- counseling program on general health of women as caregivers of patient, with Alzheimerdisease

Long term delivery of care to patients with Alzheimer disease is associatesd with increase of physical and mental health problems for caregivers. Lack of necessary trainings has increased the caregiver's health problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of educational- counseling program on general health of women as caregivers of patient with Alzheimer disease. In this study, 150 women (18-60 years old) who were close relatives to the elderly patients with Alzheimer disease were selected by simple sampling method. These women had been working as direct caregivers for a period of six month, at least. Women were enrolled for a pre-test in which they filled out demographic information questionnaire and Goldberg general health questionnaire. Then, they were randomly allocated to control and experimental groups. The experimental group participated in educational- counseling program which was consisted of a group discussion session, educational pamphlet and 2 telephone consultations. Six weeks after the program, post-test questionnaire was carried out for both groups. Data were analyzed using independent T-test, paired t-test, chi-square and one-way ANOVA. Findings showed that 17.3% of samples had weak general health before the intervention. After the educational- counseling program, the mean of general health in experimental group decreased from 39.68±15.3 to 19.09±10.03 (P<0.001), which showed an increase in general health care. In the control group general health mean increased from 37.43±15.68 to 43.9±14.9 (P=0.001), which shows decreased general health. According to the results of this study and unfavorable general health in women who work as caregivers of patients with Alzheimer disease, effective educational methods are suggested for improving the caregiver’s health.