Advancing family dementia caregiver interventions in low-and middle-income countries: A pilot cluster randomized controlled trial of Resources for Advancing Alzheimer’s Caregiver Health in Vietnam (REACH VN)

Introduction: Low-and middle-income countries have rapidly increasing numbers of peoplewith dementia, yet little evidence on family caregiving interventions.We tested the preliminary efficacy and feasibility of a family caregiving intervention in northern Vietnam. Methods: Nine clusters comprising 60 family caregivers were randomized to a culturally adapted version of a four-to six-session, multicomponent intervention delivered in-home over 2 to 3 months, or enhanced control. Eligible caregivers were≥18 years of age and scored ≥6 on the Zarit Burden Inventory (ZBI). Results: Fifty-one caregivers (85%) completed the study. Using analysis of covariance with 3-month assessment as the outcome and baseline assessment as a covariate, intervention group caregivers had an average ZBI (primary outcome) score 1.2 standard deviation (SD) lower (P = .02) and Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (psychological distress) score 0.7 SD lower (P = .03) than controls. Discussion: In the first study of its kind in Vietnam, a culturally adapted, manualized, family caregiver intervention was both efficacious and feasible.