Challenges, knowledge, and skills required for family caregivers of older adults with dementia: a qualitative study in Vietnam

Nguyen, TTT; Than, THN; Nguyen, TC; Duong Vu, LT; Truong, KT; Thai, TT; Schofield, P; Nguyen, TA

Author(s): Nguyen, TTT; Than, THN; Nguyen, TC; Duong Vu, LT; Truong, KT; Thai, TT; Schofield, P; Nguyen, TA;
Details: Publication Year 2025-12,Volume 18,Issue #1,Page 2526929
Journal Title: Global Health Action
Publication Type: Research article
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Most people with dementia (PwD) receive home care from their family members. Caring for PwD can be challenging; however, many family caregivers do not receive adequate training. The lack of support, knowledge, and skills in dementia care places significant physical and psychological stress on family caregivers. OBJECTIVES: This qualitative study explored the challenges faced by family caregivers in providing care for PwD and identified the knowledge and skills they need for effective caregiving roles. METHODS: In-depth interviews with 20 family caregivers of PwD were conducted face-to-face using a semi-structured questionnaire at the Department of Geriatrics at Nhan dan Gia Dinh Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. Data analysis was conducted using inductive content analysis. The interview transcripts were coded by two independent researchers and analyzed thematically. RESULTS: Six key themes emerged: (1) challenges in daily care; (2) strain from behavioral and sleep disruptions; (3) difficulties in seeking help; (4) personal sacrifices of caregivers; (5) emotional burdens associated with caregiving, including comorbidity concerns of PwD; (6) limited dementia knowledge and essential caregiving skills. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the need for targeted interventions in dementia care and underscores the necessity of providing educational and support programs for family carers of people with dementia in Vietnam and other low- and middle-income countries. Effective educational programs should cover dementia knowledge, comorbidity management, help-seeking strategies, caregiver self-care, and caregiving skills while also promoting support resources such as respite care and accessible information platforms.; Main findings Family caregivers of people with dementia in Vietnam face significant challenges in daily care, behavioral management, emotional stress, and insufficient knowledge, exacerbated by cultural and financial barriers to obtaining support.Added knowledge This study highlights significant gaps in caregiver education, particularly regarding knowledge of dementia, fall prevention, pressure injury care, and infection management, underscoring the need for targeted training and policy interventions.Global health impact on policy and action Strengthening dementia care policies in low- and middle-income countries necessitates integrating caregiver education, establishing support services such as respite care and counseling, and addressing gender-based caregiving disparities to improve the quality of care and the well-being of caregivers.; eng
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Keywords: Humans; *Caregivers/psychology; *Dementia/nursing/therapy; Female; Qualitative Research; Male; Aged; Middle Aged; Vietnam; *Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Interviews as Topic; Adult; Aged, 80 and over; Surveys and Questionnaires; Stress, Psychological; *Family/psychology; Anxiety; care burden; gaps; stress; support services
Department(s): Health Services Research
Publisher's Version: https://doi.org/10.1080/16549716.2025.2526929
Open Access at Publisher's Site: https://doi.org/10.1080/16549716.2025.2526929
Terms of Use/Rights Notice: Refer to copyright notice on published article.

Creation Date: 2025-07-31 07:07:40

Last Modified: 2025-07-31 07:08:02