Analysis of Engagement with CuidaTEXT, a Text Message Intervention for Dementia Caregiver Support among Latinos

ObjectivesTo assess the impact of a text message intervention, CuidaTEXT, on participant engagement and its subsequent associations with socio-demographic factors, acceptability measures, and clinical outcomes among Latino dementia caregivers. MethodsCuidaTEXT is a six-month, bilingual, and bidirectional intervention. We enrolled 24 Latino caregivers in a one-arm feasibility trial. Participants received approximately one automatic daily text message and could engage with the intervention by texting specific keywords (e.g., STRESS to receive messages about stress-coping), and by chat-texting with a live coach. We used metrics and psychometric scales to quantify variables. ResultsParticipants sent a total of 1,847 messages to CuidaTEXT. Higher engagement was associated with higher intervention satisfaction (r=0.6, p=0.007), as were several other acceptability outcomes. We found no associations between engagement with CuidaTEXT and sociodemographic or clinical outcomes (p>0.05). ConclusionEncouraging interaction with CuidaTEXT might lead to higher levels of satisfaction with the intervention. However, it might be that those who are highly satisfied, engage more with CuidaTEXT. Future research should determine the directionality of these associations. Clinical ImplicationsIncreasing opportunities to engage in text messaging may increase Latino caregivers satisfaction with caregiver support interventions.