Ethnic differences in social network help-seeking strategies among latino and euro-american dementia caregivers

Citation Barrio, C., et al. (2004). Ethnic differences in social network help-seeking strategies among latino and euro-american dementia caregivers. Aging & Mental Health, 8 (6), 535-543.

Design Non-probability community sample

Purpose The purpose of the study was to explore the help seeking behaviors of Latino and Euro-American caregivers of individuals with dementia.

Participants The study was comprised of 89 dementia caregiver / care recipient pairs who self-identified as being Latino or Euro-American (n=39 Latino, n=50 Euro-American). Set of inclusions criteria: physician diagnosis for Alzheimer's or evidence of dementia, caregiver provides home-based care, care recipient is 60 years or older, and caregiver and care recipient are of the same ethnicity. Screening of cognitive functioning was performed utilizing the Blessed Information-Memory Concentration Examination and the Mini Mental Status Examination.

Outcome / Dependent Variables The measures of the study included the following: caregiver characteristics, caregiver experiences (Social Support Interview Schedule and 30-item Memory and Behavior Checklist), and help seeking behaviors (67-item Ways of Coping Revised questionnaire).

Procedure An initial screening assessment was performed over the phone or during a home visit with the caregiver and care recipient. During four to six hour duration, materials were administered to eligible participants in their preferred language. All materials were translated by trained bilingual staff.

Outcomes The study found that Latino caregiver participants were more likely female, younger, less educated and had a lower monthly income than the Euro-American caregivers. The study also found that Latino caregivers reported having smaller social networks, were less likely to seek assistance, and reported a slightly higher distress in providing care for someone with dementia than their counterparts. While the study relied on a non-probability community sample, the authors note that their findings appear to be consistent with other recent studies (Aranda & Knight, 1997; Cox & Monk, 1996; Dilworth-Anderson et al., 2002).

Author Barrio, C., Valle, R., Yamada, A.