Effects of e-Mental Health Interventions on Psychological Outcomes Among Informal Caregivers of People With Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES

To systematically identify and synthesize the current evidence on the psychological impact of e-mental health interventions among informal caregivers of people living with dementia (PLWD).

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials examining e-mental health interventions.

SETTING AND

PARTICIPANTS

Informal caregivers of PLWD across multiple study settings were included in eligible trials.

METHODS

Six databases were searched from inception to February 2025 for randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of e-mental health interventions on psychological outcomes among informal caregivers of PLWD. Study quality was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Due to heterogeneity, random-effects meta-analyses and sensitivity analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

Eleven studies were included. E-mental health interventions significantly reduced depression, anxiety, and caregiving stress and improved self-efficacy and positive aspects of caregiving. In contrast, the intervention showed no significant effect on reducing caregiver burden. Sensitivity analysis showed that the effect on depression was not robust and became nonsignificant after removing one influential study.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: E-mental health interventions show promise in improving psychological outcomes among informal caregivers of PLWD, though evidence for reducing caregiver burden remains limited.