Date of Conferral

2021

Degree

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

School

Public Health

Advisor

Pelagia Melea

Abstract

Patients with dementia of the Alzheimer’s type increasingly become dependent on caregivers. Researchers have demonstrated that these caregivers experience serious burdens during their caregiving experiences. They face emotional, physical, and financial burdens. The objective of this paper was to discuss the burden and strains of Alzheimer’s disease on the older caregivers in the United States. The stress process model and the quality of life were used in this study. The study used a descriptive and analytical approach to analyze 2015 secondary data retrieved in 2018 from the National Alliance for Caregiving. The adult Alzheimer’s dementia caregivers were selected. A multiple regression analysis was conducted looking at the relationship between caregiver type, age, gender, and strain. The results revealed a statically significant association between caregiver type and strain [Beta=-.701, 95% CI (-1.340, -.063), p<.05]. A multiple linear regression was conducted for the second research question, looking at the relationship between caregiver type, age, gender, and burden. The results revealed caregiver type, age, and gender not to be statistically significant predictors of burden (p>.05). A simple linear regression analysis was conducted for the third research question looking at the relationship between burden and strain. Burden was found to be statistically significant predictor of strain [Beta=0.973, 95% C.I. (6.46, 1.299), p<.05). The positive social change implication: public health practitioners can use the findings of the study to raise more awareness and advocate for the family and nonfamily caregivers. It can raise awareness about the many responsibilities of the family, friends, and neighbors that are caregivers and maximize community engagement.

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