Journal Article Ahead of print
PubMed: 42048415 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2026.2661311
Feasibility and preliminary effects of a wearable technology-supported multicomponent intervention on self-efficacy and quality of life in family caregivers of people with dementia.
Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol
Authors: Ecem Özgül, Burcu Akpınar Söylemez, Özlem Küçükgüçlü, Görsev Yener
Affiliations
- Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Atılım University, Ankara, Türkiye.
- Department of Internal Medicine Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Türkiye.
- Network Aging Research (NAR), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Türkiye.
- İzmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, İzmir, Türkiye.
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a wearable technology-supported multicomponent intervention among family caregivers of people with dementia (PwD), and to explore its preliminary effects on self-efficacy and quality of life (QOL). A single-blind randomised controlled trial was conducted. The sample comprised 44 caregivers. The intervention group received a wearable technology-supported multicomponent program while the control group received routine care. Feasibility indicators including recruitment, adherence, retention, and participant satisfaction were monitored throughout the study. Participants in the intervention group completed a questionnaire assessing their engagement with and satisfaction with smartwatch use. In addition, three data collection tools were used: the descriptive characteristics form, the Revised Scale for Caregiving Self-Efficacy and the Short Form 36 QOL Scale. Data for feasibility outcomes were summarised descriptively, while self-efficacy and QOL outcomes were analysed using repeated measures ANOVA with effect sizes calculated. In this pilot study, feasibility indicators were acceptable and suggested that the intervention could be implemented among dementia caregivers. Exploratory analyses of self-efficacy and QOL revealed no statistically significant differences. Over time, the intervention group showed a trend towards an increase in overall self-efficacy, while the control group demonstrated a significant decline. The intervention appeared feasible and acceptable for caregivers of PwD, with high adherence and satisfaction. No statistically significant differences were observed in secondary outcomes, although caregiver self-efficacy showed a positive trend. These findings provide valuable guidance for designing future larger, longer-term, and more diverse trials to evaluate the effectiveness of wearable technology-supported interventions.
MeSH
Quality Of Life, Dementia, Caregivers, Self Efficacy, Wearable Electronic Devices, Self-Help Devices