Understanding Social Isolation and the Role of Technology Among Mexican American Family Caregivers for Alzheimer's Disease Patients: A Qualitative Study Along the South Texas and Mexico Border

Background and Purpose: The projected rise of Latinos affected by Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD) to 1.3 million by 2050 underscores the imperative to comprehend the experiences of Mexican American family caregivers. Latino caregivers encounter elevated burden, anxiety, and limited social support compared to other ethnicities. While the benefits of information communication technology (ICT) for caregivers are acknowledged, existing research predominantly focuses on White American caregivers. This study addresses this gap by exploring the distinct challenges encountered by Mexican American caregivers and the role of technology in mitigating social isolation.

Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with 24 Mexican American family caregivers for ADRD patients along the South Texas and Mexico Border. Participants were recruited through various channels, and Zoom interviews were conducted from January to Fall 2023, followed by thematic analysis.

Results: Participants ranged in age from 24 to 73, with an average of a college degree. Fourteen identified as Catholic, while seven identified as Christian. The average caregiving duration ranges from 1 to 13 years. Key themes emerged, including distinct experiences of social isolation and loneliness, aggravated by a lack of understanding from family members. ICT played a significant role in reducing social isolation, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, religion emerged as a vital coping mechanism, alleviating social isolation and loneliness through online activities.

Conclusions and Implications: This study underscores the unique challenges in social isolation and loneliness faced by Mexican American family caregivers for ADRD patients. It emphasizes the potential of technology in reducing social isolation. Recognizing these unique challenges and leveraging technology can inform interventions to bolster well-being and support. Future research should prioritize culturally sensitive ICT interventions tailored to the needs of Mexican American caregivers, aiming to enhance the quality of life for both caregivers and patients within the Latino community affected by ADRD.