Trial results for a Spanish problem-solving intervention targeting caregiver depression were posted on 2025-12-18. The intervention group demonstrated lower mean depression scores compared to standard care, with a mean score of 10.2 versus 15.0 at 9 weeks.
Background
Depression is a significant concern for caregivers, particularly for those assisting veterans with stroke. Caregiving can lead to substantial burden and psychological distress. This trial aimed to address these challenges by testing a culturally relevant, telephone and online problem-solving intervention designed for Spanish-speaking stroke caregivers. The primary goal was to reduce caregiver burden and depression and improve caregivers' problem-solving abilities.
Trial design
This trial was completed with an enrollment of 210 subjects. The study focused on individuals experiencing Depression, specifically Spanish-speaking caregivers of veterans with stroke. The intervention involved a problem-solving approach delivered over the telephone and online, adapted to be culturally relevant for Hispanic caregivers. The comparator arm received standard care. The study aimed to test the efficacy of this brief intervention in reducing caregiver burden and depression.
Key results
The trial reported several key measurements for changes in caregiver depression, burden, and self-efficacy:
- Change in Caregiver Depression at 9 Weeks:
- Standard Care Group: Mean 15.0 (Standard Deviation 6.5) on a scale
- Intervention Group: Mean 10.2 (Standard Deviation 5.4) on a scale
- Change in Caregiver Depression at 21 Weeks:
- Standard Care Group: Mean 14.3 (Standard Deviation 7.7) on a scale
- Intervention Group: Mean 10.5 (Standard Deviation 6.0) on a scale
- Change in Caregiver Burden-Zarit - 9 Weeks:
- Standard Care: Mean 30.3 (Standard Deviation 5.9) on a scale
- Problem Solving Intervention: Mean 24.5 (Standard Deviation 6.6) on a scale
- Change in Caregiver Burden-Zarit - 21 Weeks:
- Standard Care: Mean 30.8 (Standard Deviation 6.7) on a scale
- Problem Solving Intervention: Mean 23.2 (Standard Deviation 7.0) on a scale
- Change in Caregiver Self-Efficacy-Obtaining Respite - 9 Weeks:
- Standard Care Group: Mean 45.6 (Standard Deviation 18.2) on a scale
- Intervention Group: Mean 54.2 (Standard Deviation 18.9) on a scale
- Change in Caregiver Self-Efficacy-Obtaining Respite - 21 Weeks:
- Standard Care Group: Mean 41.0 (Standard Deviation 17.3) on a scale
- Intervention Group: Mean 57.2 (Standard Deviation 21.4) on a scale
Key analyses using Mixed Models Analysis reported the following:
- A slope of -5.06 with a p-value of 0.001.
- A slope of -4.04 with a p-value of 0.017.
- A slope of -4.04 with a p-value of 0.017.
- A slope of -5.66 with a p-value of 0.002.
- A slope of 6.47 with a p-value of 0.152.
- A slope of 12.53 with a p-value of 0.008.
What this means
The results suggest that the problem-solving intervention delivered via telephone and online can effectively reduce depression and burden among Spanish-speaking caregivers of veterans with stroke. The consistently lower mean depression and burden scores in the intervention group at both 9 and 21 weeks, coupled with several statistically significant p-values from the mixed models analyses (e.g., 0.001, 0.017, 0.002, 0.008), indicate a positive impact. Additionally, the intervention appears to improve caregiver self-efficacy in obtaining respite. These findings highlight the potential for accessible, culturally tailored interventions to support this vulnerable caregiver population.
Source
The information for these trial results was obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov, a public database of clinical studies. The results for the study NCT03142841, titled "Spanish Intervention for Caregivers of Veterans With Stroke", were posted on 2025-12-18 on clinicaltrials.gov.