Use of the Roadmap Positive Activity App in Daily Life Among Dementia Caregivers: Evidence of Feasibility and Acceptability (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Addressing the needs of at-risk dementia caregivers and their care recipients is an urgent public health priority. Thus, it is imperative to identify modifiable factors that influence caregiver and care recipient mental health to target in personalized interventions. OBJECTIVE The purpose of the present pilot study was to examine the feasibility and acceptability of an mHealth positive activity intervention, the Roadmap app, which has demonstrated effectiveness among other caregiver populations but has not been examined among dementia caregivers. METHODS A total of 20 dementia caregiver-care recipient dyads were recruited to participate in a 14-day study, during which caregivers were prompted to engage in Roadmap positive activities twice a day, caregivers completed mobile surveys every night, and both dyad members were asked to wear Fitbit® devices. Caregivers also completed a feasibility and acceptability survey at the end of the study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and 2-level multilevel linear models with days nested in participants RESULTS The Roadmap app was highly feasible and acceptable among this population. The caregivers participated in a high number of positive activities, completed almost 100% of their nightly surveys, and all caregivers and 16 of their care recipients wore Fitbit® devices. Participants rated the app as easy to use and acceptable. Preliminary results also indicate that using the app is associated with improved mood and better mental health among caregivers and care recipients in daily life over the 14-day period during which they were enrolled in the study. CONCLUSIONS Overall, this pilot study shows that the Roadmap app is a feasible and acceptable intervention among dementia caregivers, and it should be tested in larger clinical trials.