A dyadic reminiscence intervention on mutuality for persons with heart failure and their spouse caregivers: A quasi-experimental study.

摘要

OBJECTIVE: Low mutuality between persons with heart failure (HF) and their spouse caregivers is associated with adverse outcomes in the dyads. However, dyadic interventions targeting enhanced mutuality are scarce. This study developed a couple-based dyadic reminiscence intervention and tested its effects on mutuality and quality of life in persons with HF and their spouse caregivers. DESIGN: A prospective, single-blinded, parallel-group, quasi-experimental study. METHODS: A total of 89 HF dyads (intervention group: 44; control group: 45) were enrolled. Both the control and intervention groups received usual care and general health guidance, and the intervention group participated in a 6-week dyadic reminiscence intervention consisting of six different sessions. Outcome data were collected at baseline (T0) and immediately (T1), 4 weeks (T2) and 12 weeks (T3) post-intervention. The effects of the intervention were estimated using generalized estimating equation models. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, persons with HF in the intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in mutuality at T1, T2 and T3 and in emotional quality of life at T1, T2 and T3. The intervention exhibited significant effects on enhancing spouse caregivers' mutuality at T1, positive aspects of caregiving at T1 and T3 and quality of life. However, no significant effects were found in the physical quality of life of persons with HF and dyadic self-care. CONCLUSIONS: The dyadic reminiscence intervention conducted with persons with HF and their spouse caregivers can effectively improve dyadic mutuality, emotional quality of life in persons with HF, spouse caregivers' quality of life and positive aspects of caregiving.