Digital Literacy and Social Support of Caregivers for People Living With Dementia Han Nah Cho

Format:

Book

Thesis/Dissertation

Author/Creator:

Cho, Han Nah, author.

Contributor:

University of Pennsylvania. Nursing., degree granting institution.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Nursing.

Psychology.

Aging.

0569.

0621.

0493.

Local Subjects:

Nursing.

Psychology.

Aging.

0569.

0621.

0493.

Physical Description:

1 electronic resource (157 pages)

Contained In:

Dissertations Abstracts International 86-12B

Place of Publication:

Ann Arbor : ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, 2025

Language Note:

English

Summary:

As the prevalence of dementia continues to rise, informal caregivers-primarily family members and friends-play a critical role in providing care, particularly during end of life. These caregivers assist with essential daily tasks such as bathing, medication management, and meal preparation while managing the complexities of end-of-life care. This caregiving responsibility often results in significant physical, emotional, and psychological strain, negatively impacting caregivers' overall well-being. At the same time, technology has become increasingly integral to healthcare delivery, offering tools such as mobile applications, online health portals, wearable devices, and smart home systems that can enhance caregiving efficiency and effectiveness. Sometimes, caregivers' ability to utilize these resources effectively depends on their digital literacy-the ability to use technology, critically evaluate digital health information, and access technological tools. Despite its importance, digital literacy remains underexplored in the context of caregiving for people living with dementia (PLWD). This dissertation employs two conceptual models-Pearlin's Stress Process Model and the Technology-Enabled Caregiving in the Home Model-to develop a framework that integrates digital literacy as a key factor influencing caregiving dynamics. Specifically, it examines how digital literacy interacts with caregiving stressors, mediators such as social support, and mental health outcomes. The study has three aims: first, to conduct a scoping review and concept analysis of "digital literacy" for caregivers and PLWD; second, to investigate the relationships among digital literacy levels, social support-seeking behaviors, and caregiving-related stressors; and third, to comprehensively examine how these factors collectively impact caregiver well-being. Through both quantitative and qualitative approaches, this research explores the challenges faced by caregivers during hospice enrollment and identifies opportunities for technological interventions. By emphasizing user-centered design in developing digital tools tailored to caregivers' needs and capabilities, this dissertation highlights how appropriate technological support can improve outcomes for both PLWD and their caregivers in hospice settings

Notes:

Source: Dissertations Abstracts International, Volume: 86-12, Section: B.

Advisors: Demiris, George Committee members: Hodgson, Nancy A.; Sefcik, Justine

Ph.D. University of Pennsylvania 2025

Local Notes:

School code: 0175

ISBN:

9798280756885

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license