Differences in stress-related ratings between research center and home environments in dementia caregivers using ecological momentary assessment

作者：Fonareva Irina; Amen Alexandra M; Ellingson Roger M; Oken Barry S^*

来源：International Psychogeriatrics, 2012, 24(1): 90-98.

DOI：10.1017/S1041610211001414

• caregivers
• ecological momentary assessment
• EMA
• older adults
• perceived stress

Background: Clinicians and researchers working with dementia caregivers typically assess caregiver stress in a clinic or research center, but caregivers%26apos; stress is rooted at home where they provide care. This study aimed to compare ratings of stress-related measures obtained in research settings and in the home using ecological momentary assessment (EMA). %26lt;br%26gt;Methods: EMA of 18 caregivers (mean age 66.4 years +/- 7.8; 89% females) and 23 non-caregivers (mean age 66.4 years +/- 7.9; 87% females) was implemented using a personal digital assistant. Subjects rated their perceived stress, fatigue, coping with current situation, mindfulness, and situational demand once in the research center and again at 3-4 semi-random points during a day at home. The data from several assessments conducted at home were averaged for statistical analyses and compared with the data collected in the research center. %26lt;br%26gt;Results: The testing environment had a differential effect on caregivers and non-caregivers for the ratings of perceived stress (p %26lt; 0.01) and situational demand (p = 0.01). When tested in the research center, ratings for all measures were similar between groups, but when tested at home, caregivers rated their perceived stress as higher than non-caregivers (p = 0.02). Overall, caregivers reported higher perceived stress at home than in the research center (p = 0.02), and non-caregivers reported greater situational demand in the research center than at home (p %26lt; 0.01). %26lt;br%26gt;Conclusions: The assessment method and environment affect stress-related outcomes. Evaluating participants in their natural environment provides a more sensitive measure of stress-related outcomes. EMA provides a convenient way to gather data when evaluating dementia caregivers.

• 出版日期2012-1