Authors (including presenting author) :
Wang YHI(1), Tsui KFP(1), Lau A(1), Chow YY(1), Tsang WY(1), Yip WM(1)
Affiliation :
Department of Medicine & Geriatrics, Tai Po Hospital
Introduction :
Informal caregivers of patients with ABI are often stressed by caregiving burden that categorised into objective/subjective burden and impairment in psycho-social functioning. Among these aspects, psychological burden is reported significantly. During conversations with caregivers of ABI patients among Infirmary Unit, they were noted with depressive mood, anxiety, etc. In view of the circumstance, a pilot horticulture programme named "Love, Horticulture" was designed to reduce their psychological caregiving burden, which utilised the proven positive impacts of horticultural therapy on mental health.
Objectives :
(1) to alleviate psychological caregiving burden; (2) to promote nurse-client relationship.
Methodology :
Convergent parallel design consisted of (1) "Pre-test" vs "Post-test" randomised controlled trial; (2) qualitative survey was employed. Participants were recruited with the following criteria: (1) caregivers of ABI patients among Infirmary Unit with severe dependency on ADLs; (2) normal cognitive function; (3) showed interest in horticultural activities. Demographic data and baseline measurements were obtained before the randomisation to interventional (I) and control (C) groups. From June 2024 to January 2025, participants in Group I were invited to attend eight 1-hour, nurse-led planting/handicraft workshops monthly while Group C received no intervention. The outcomes were measured by (1) Chinese Version of 21-Item Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21); (2) Open-ended Questionnaire. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSSv30 with (1) Descriptive Statistics; (2) Mann-Whitney U Test (MWU); (3) Chi-Square Test (X2). Qualitative data were studied using content analysis.
Result & Outcome :
Results: 20 caregivers were recruited with no drop-out (I: n=10, 60% Female, Median age=62.5; C: n=10, 70% Female, Median age=53). There was no significant difference in demographic features (p=0.105-0.639, MWU / X2) nor DASS-21 Baseline Score (Median of I= 29 & C=20, p=0.426, MWU) between the interventional and control groups. After 8 months, a significant difference in level of psychological caregiving burden was observed between two groups, as reflected by the Post DASS-21 Score (Median of I=11 & C=30, p=0.015, MWU) and the change of DASS-21 Score (Median of I=-20 & C=+5, p=<0.001, MWU). In the post-qualitative survey of the interventional group, themes of (1)"Reduce negative emotions"; (2) "Better understanding of nursing staffs" were frequently expressed (n>=7). Discussion & Conclusion: Horticultural activities are effective in reducing psychological caregiving burden. Meanwhile, this programme also suggests active communication fosters good nurse-client relationship.
