Inappropriate Sexual Behaviour in dementia: The caregiver experience
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Inappropriate Sexual Behaviour in dementia: The lived experience of the caregiver
IRAS ID
167787
Contact name
Andrew Stranaghan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 7 months, 29 days
Research summary
Background
Research has found that providing care for a relative with dementia can be difficult and has been associated with negative factors such as stress and burnout. Caregiver wellbeing can be affected by the behaviour of those with dementia which is perceived as challenging, such as aggression and Inappropriate Sexual Behaviour (ISB). However, there is very little research that focuses on ISB compared to other forms of behaviour. Whilst ISB has received little attention in dementia related research, its impact on caregivers can be just as significant as other forms of behaviour perceived as challenging.Aim of the study
The aim of this study is to understand the lived experiences of spousal caregivers who are caring for individuals with dementia presenting with ISB.Why is the research important?
This research may inform professionals on how to better assist individuals who seek support for dealing with the effects of ISB. Understanding the experiences of ISB and the stigma that comes with it may also allow caregivers to better communicate these difficulties and healthcare professionals to more confidently address them.What will participation involve?
Caregivers will be invited to take part in the research through an NHS young person dementia service and a carer support service, both based within Northamptonshire. Once caregivers have been identified, they will be given an information sheet and then a consent form to sign if they agree to participate. The researcher aims to carry out one-to-one interviews with six caregivers, these interviews should last between one and two hours. The interviews will be recorded with consent from the caregivers. These recordings will be written up and then analysed by the researcher.This study is being conducted as part of the CI's doctoral thesis at the University of Leicester.
REC name
East Midlands - Nottingham 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/EM/0040
Date of REC Opinion
24 Feb 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion