Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p>Aim This study aimed to (1) develop and implement a co-designed, culturally adapted Carer Support Program (CSP) for Chinese Australian carers of people with dementia using a community partnership approach, and (2) evaluate the CSP’s effectiveness for carer self-efficacy, burden, quality of life and approach to dementia care. Design: A sequential three-phase design was undertaken in developing, implementing and evaluating the CSP, using mixed-methods, integrating a one-group quasi-experimental pre–post design and qualitative follow-up. Methods Chinese Australian carers (N = 48) completed the eight-week CSP delivered in Chinese through weekly 90-minute face-to-face group sessions. Carers completed questionnaires before and after the CSP and participated in follow-up focus groups. Quantitative and qualitative data were separately analysed, then integrated. Results Carer self-efficacy significantly improved following the CSP (p = 0.007). No significant changes occurred in carer burden, health-related quality of life, or dementia care approach. Language barriers were associated with poorer physical health (p = 0.021), while greater social support was associated with lower carer burden (p = 0.016). Qualitative data identified four themes: unseen challenges of caregiving; knowledge and experiences leading to stronger self-confidence; the power of peer influence on caregiving; and pursuing better support for carers. Peer support was a key mechanism supporting learning and emotional resilience. Conclusion The culturally adapted CSP enhanced self-efficacy among Chinese Australian carers of people with dementia, but not carer burden, quality of life and approach to dementia care. Findings highlight the importance of providing accessible culturally responsive carer support programs, and sustained community-based support for carers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.</p>