The effect of a stress management program on stress levels among community-based caregivers of the elderly Ban Khanun Subdistrict health promoting hospital, Khukhan district, Sisaket province

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a stress management program for caregivers of dependent elderly individuals in the community within the service area of Ban Khanun Sub-district Health Promotion Hospital, Khukhan District, Sisaket Province. It was a quasi-experimental study using a single-group pre- and post-test design. The sample consisted of 39 caregivers of dependent elderly individuals. The 10-week program, developed based on Lazarus and Folkman's theory of stress and coping, comprised five activities: group activities, two home visits, online follow-up, and focus group discussions. Data were collected using the Caregiver Strain Index (CSI) and a satisfaction survey. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test at a significance level of .05.

The results showed that before participating in the program... The sample group had an average stress score of 6.82 ± 1.78 and a median of 7 (Q1–Q3 = 5–8). After participating in the program, the score decreased to 5.54 ± 1.54 and the median of 6 (Q1–Q3 = 4–7). The post-program stress score reduction was statistically significant (Z = -5.93, p < .001), and 84.6% of participants experienced a decrease in stress scores. Overall participant satisfaction with the program was high
(x̄ = 4.03). In conclusion, the stress management program is effective in reducing stress among caregivers of dependent elderly individuals in the community.