Correlates and predictors of self-efficacy among dementia caregivers: D-CARE findings

INTRODUCTION: Greater dementia caregiver self-efficacy (CSE) may have considerable benefits for persons living with dementia (PLWD). The correlates of CSE have received little study. METHODS: Secondary analysis of an 18-month randomized pragmatic clinical trial of 2037 community-dwelling PLWD and their caregivers. Baseline and longitudinal analyses were conducted. RESULTS: In cross-sectional multiple regression analyses of baseline data, several factors were significantly associated with lower CSE, including not living with the PLWD, having higher depression scores, distress from PLWD behavioral symptoms, more caregiver strain, and higher PLWD basic activities of daily living functional status. In longitudinal analyses, CSE increased among those with lower baseline CSE, in women more than men, among caregivers with lower baseline depression scores, and among caregivers of PLWD with worse functioning. CONCLUSIONS: CSE is associated with modifiable factors and can be improved with comprehensive dementia care interventions, particularly among those with lower baseline CSE. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03786471, https://clinicaltrials.gov/.