Abstract

Objectives

Mexican Americans (MA) are more likely to have cognitive impairment and dementia (CID), be diagnosed at an earlier age and live with CID longer, compared to non-Hispanic Whites (NHW). While studies have examined unmet needs of individuals with CID and their caregivers, few have focused on MA populations in the U.S. This paper examines the needs of community-residing individuals with CID and their caregivers in Nueces County, Texas, a county with one of the largest MA populations in the U.S., while exploring ethnic differences in needs identified.

Method

Using concept mapping, a mixed-method approach, qualitative input on perceived needs by informal caregivers and health professionals was collected. Participants then sorted and rated perceived needs. Using this information, multidimensional scaling and cluster analyses were conducted to map the relationship between perceived needs and determine their importance and priority.

Results

Five clusters were derived for caregivers and four for the health professionals. Themes across both caregivers and health professionals highlighted the need for specialized and team-based medical care, caregiver support and training, along with socio-economic and physical needs that help with day-to-day care of individuals with CID. Among caregivers, MA rated financial resources as more important and of higher priority compared to NHW. The health professionals’ perspectives were aligned with those of all caregivers.

Conclusion

By understanding the needs of caregivers and individuals with CID, we can help families deal with this disease and let caregivers thrive. This is especially important for minority populations like MAs.

中文翻译：

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墨西哥裔美国人和非西班牙裔白人中的个人和护理人员的痴呆症护理需求

摘要

目标

与非西班牙裔白人 (NHW) 相比，墨西哥裔美国人 (MA) 更有可能患有认知障碍和痴呆症 (CID)，诊断年龄更早，患有 CID 的时间也更长。虽然研究调查了 CID 患者及其照顾者未得到满足的需求，但很少有研究关注美国的 MA 人群。 本文研究了德克萨斯州纽埃西斯县社区居住的 CID 患者及其照顾者的需求，该县拥有一个调查美国最大的 MA 人口，同时探索已确定的需求中的种族差异。

方法

使用概念图（一种混合方法），收集了非正式护理人员和卫生专业人员对感知需求的定性输入。然后参与者对感知到的需求进行排序和评级。利用这些信息，进行多维尺度和聚类分析，以绘制感知需求之间的关系，并确定其重要性和优先级。

结果

五个类别是针对护理人员的，四个类别是针对卫生专业人员的。护理人员和卫生专业人员的主题都强调了对专业和团队医疗护理、护理人员支持和培训的需求，以及有助于 CID 患者日常护理的社会经济和身体需求。在护理人员中，MA 认为财务资源比 NHW 更重要、更优先。卫生专业人员的观点与所有护理人员的观点一致。

结论

通过了解护理人员和 CID 患者的需求，我们可以帮助家庭应对这种疾病，并让护理人员茁壮成长。这对于像 MA 这样的少数群体尤其重要。