Effects of a COPE-Based Intervention on Resilience and Health Outcomes in Caregivers of Elderly with Diabetes: A Protocol Study

Shirin Madadkar  Dehkordi; Zohreh  Karimiankakolaki

doi:10.18502/ehj.v11i2.20702

Shirin Madadkar Dehkordi Department of Nursing, Shk.C., Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
Zohreh Karimiankakolaki Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Shk.C., Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ehj.v11i2.20702

Keywords: COPE Model, Resilience, Health Literacy, Illness Perception, Quality of Life, Aged

Abstract

Introduction: Caring for older adults with type 2 diabetes presents multiple physical and psychological challenges that can impact the quality of life of family caregivers. The Creativity, Optimism, Planning, Expert Information (COPE) model, with a focus on comprehensive education and support, have the potential to improve resilience, health literacy, and better illness perception. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention program based on the COPE model on resilience, health literacy, illness perception, and quality of life of family caregivers of elderly people with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: This study is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) protocol with a pre-test and post-test design. The target population consists of family caregivers of elderly people with type 2 diabetes referring to health centers affiliated with Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences. The sample size will be 45 participants in each group (intervention and control), totaling 90 participants. The study will be conducted in two phases: first, designing an educational-support program based on the COPE model through a review of literature and expert panel opinions; and second, implementing the program, which includes a pre-test, delivering the intervention (through in-person sessions, telephone follow-ups, and WhatsApp support), and conducting post-test assessments immediately and three months after the intervention. Data will be collected using a demographic questionnaire, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, the TOFHLA Health Literacy Questionnaire, the Illness Perception Questionnaire, and the SF36 Quality of Life Questionnaire. Data analysis will be performed using SPSS-23 software.

Conclusion: This protocol outlines the methodology for a randomized controlled trial that will evaluate the efficacy of a COPE model-based intervention. If proven effective, this structured program can serve as a practical and replicable framework in healthcare systems to support family caregivers of elderly individuals with type 2 diabetes, potentially enhancing their resilience, health literacy, and overall quality of life.