Browsing by Author "Celestino, Obua"

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Caregiving burden and mental health problems among family caregivers of people with dementia in rural Uganda
(Cambridge University Press, 2020) Herbert E., Ainamani; Paul E., Alele; Godfrey Z., Rukundo; Samuel, Maling; Edith K., Wakida; Celestino, Obua; Alexander C., Tsai
Background. Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are associated with increasing health burden in low- and middle-income countries. Less well-recognized is the potential health bur den experienced by other affected individuals, such as family caregivers. In this study, we sought to profile the burden of care and its association with symptoms of depression and anx iety among informal caregivers of people living with dementia in rural southwestern Uganda. Method. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 232 family caregivers of people with demen tia. The key measured variables of interest were caregiving burden (Zarit Burden Index) and symptoms of depression and anxiety (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales). We fitted multivari able regression models specifying depression and anxiety symptoms as the primary outcomes of interest and caregiving burden as the primary explanatory variable of interest. Results. Family caregivers of people with dementia experience significant caregiving burden, with each item on the Zarit Burden Index endorsed by more than 70% of study participants. Nearly half [108 (47%)] of caregivers had Zarit Burden Interview scores >60, suggestive of severe caregiving burden. In multivariable regression models, we estimated a statistically significant positive association between caregiving burden and symptoms of both depression [b = 0.42; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34–0.49] and anxiety (b = 0.37; 95% CI 0.30–0.45). Conclusion. Family caregivers of people with dementia in rural Uganda experience a high caregiving burden, which is associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety. Interventions aimed at reducing caregiving burden may have important collateral mental health benefits
Caring for people with dementia in rural Uganda
(Journal of Global Health Reports, 2020) Herbert E, Ainaman; Paul E, Alele; Godfrey Z, Rukundo; Samuel, Maling; Edith K, Wakida; Celestino, Obua; Alexander, C Tsai
Back Background ground The rising incidence of Alzheimer’s disease among older-age adults worldwide has been accompanied by an increase in caregiving burden. Limited work has examined the lived experiences of both formal and informal caregivers of people living with dementia in low-income countries. Methods We conducted one-on-one, in-depth qualitative interviews with a purposive sample of 10 informal caregivers and 5 formal caregivers of people living with dementia in Mbarara, Uganda. They were interviewed about their experiences caring for people with dementia until thematic saturation was reached. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed into English, and thematically analysed. RResults esults Two primary themes emerged from the data: patient factors influencing caregiving burden (problematic behaviours, such as wandering and aggression) and patient physical health and cognitive deterioration (namely, loss of memory and incontinence). Psychosocial and economic aspects of caregiving burden included financial costs, family conflicts, anxiety, stigma, and substance misuse. CConclusions onclusions Both formal and informal caregivers of people living with dementia experience physical, financial, and psychological stressors. Interventions aimed at reducing these stressors would benefit caregivers as well as improve quality of care for people living with dementia.