The Effectiveness of a Humanitude Care Program Combined with Mindful Breathing Exercise based on Multicultural Principles on the Stress among Caregivers for Older People with Dementia in Mueang District, Narathiwat Province

Abstract

This one-group time series quasi-experimental research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a Humanitude care program combined with mindful breathing exercise, based on multicultural principles on the stress among caregivers for older people with dementia. The program involved participation of 20 patients, selected by purposive sampling. Knowledge and practical training on Humanitude care were provided to primary caregivers, focusing on eye contact, communication, touch, and vertical posture. The experimental group participated in the 5-week program. The research instruments comprised: 1) data collection instruments covering personal     information, 2) a Suanprung Stress Test-20 (SPST-20) with Cronbach’s alpha coefficient yielding .87,
3) Humanitude care and Mindfulness of Breathing Meditation Practice Program with an Assessment Form. Content validity of instruments was verified by 3 experts, yielding an index of 1.0, and an Inter-Rater Reliability value of 0.94. Analysis was conducted using one-way repeated measure ANOVA. Pairwise comparison method was used so to assess this experiment. Results were follows.

1. The mean stress scores of caregivers significantly decreased after completing the program compared to before participation, with statistical significance at the .001 level (p-value < .001).

2. After participating the program, caregivers exhibited a significant reduction in mean stress scores from the second week to the fifth week, with statistical significance at the .001 level (p-value < .001).

Therefore, caregivers of older people with dementia should use this caregiving program, combining the Humanitude approach with mindful breathing exercise, so to reduce their stress level, for caregiving that is carried out with happiness and long-term effectiveness.