CONFIDENCE is a culturally tailored intervention to reduce caregiver financial strain, which disproportionately impacts Latino family caregivers to persons living with dementia. CONFIDENCE demonstrated preliminary efficacy at lowering financial strain in a feasibility study, yet attendance in group videoconference sessions was low (62%). CONFIDENCE was revised to integrate the NeuViCareTM application (app) that leveraged an interactive artificial intelligence (AI) assistant and text message reminders to engage participants between sessions. This study examined whether app registration was associated with attendance, as well as overall utilization of app features.
CONFIDENCE was delivered in a community-based organization, where registration for the NeuViCareTM app was offered at no cost to complement the 4-week facilitated group-based intervention. Investigators tracked caregiver attendance in sessions, app registration, and uptake of app features. Bivariate statistics were used to assess the relationship between app registration and attendance.
Fifty-five (55) caregivers completed the CONFIDENCE intervention, among whom 50.9% (28) registered for the NeuViCareTM app. App users attended an average of 2.9 (72%) sessions, compared to 2.0 (50%) of non-users (p = .002). Interactive features of the app (e.g., messaging an AI digital assistant) were infrequently used by participants.
Findings support further investigation into technology-enhanced psychoeducation for family caregivers of persons living with dementia to promote intervention adherence, particularly Latino caregivers who face greater caregiving burden and limited access to supportive resources despite higher dementia prevalence. These findings contribute to the emerging literature on technology adoption, including interactive AI, in service contexts.