Effects of Cognitive Behavioral Bibliotherapy Program on Depression and Caregiving Experiences in Caregivers of Clients with Chronic Illnesses

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Bibliotherapy program for depression and caregiving experience in primary caregivers of individuals with chronic illnesses. 

Materials and method: The research design is a Quasi- experimental design (pretest-posttest control group design). Caregivers were randomized to an intervention (self-help manual) (n=28) or control (n=28) group. In addition, both groups also received a short weekly telephone call for eight weeks to track their progress.  Participants were assessed at three time points; the outcome measures were Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Experience of Caregiving Inventory. A Two-way repeated measure ANOVA procedure, including between group and within-group factors, was implemented. 

Results: The findings showed an apparent decrease in depression in both groups. However, the mean scores decreased rapidly in the intervention group at posttest and follow-up time points, whereas the mean scores decreased slightly in the control group at those two time point. Furthermore, there was a significant reduction in the total negative experience of caring, from baseline to post-treatment, in the intervention group participants of the self-help manual compared with the control group and treatment effects were maintained at one-month follow-up. Similarly, there was a significant improvement in the total positive experience of caring from pretest to posttest, in both the intervention group and the control group; however, these outcomes were reduced at one-month follow-up.

Conclusion: The results support that the use of Cognitive Behavioral Bibliotherapy program may be helpful in reducing depression and assist in strengthen caregivers’ positive experience as well as reducing the negative experience of caring in caregivers of individuals with chronic illnesses.

Keywords: Cognitive Behavioral Bibliotherapy program, Depression, Caregiving experiences, Chronic illnesses