Informal carers’ needs and challenges towards managing behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia and accepting mHealth applications: A qualitative study

Informal carers face numerous challenges in caring for home-dwelling persons with dementia. This study aimed to explore the needs and challenges of informal carers in managing behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSDs) and their acceptance of mHealth applications for information and support seeking in dementia care. Following Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis approach, an exploratory qualitative study design was employed. Interviews were performed with a purposive sample of informal carers of persons with dementia using a semi-structured interview guide (N = 16). The analysis yielded four main themes, including "weight of love: dealing with the complexities of providing BPSD care"; "information challenge: revealing information needs and information-seeking barriers"; "building bridges: searching for support systems"; and "information-seeking in the digital age: adopting mHealth applications". This study provides insight into the challenges and needs of informal carers in providing care for persons with dementia, particularly managing BPSDs, and highlights the necessity of addressing these issues. Developing tailor-made mHealth applications related to BPSDs is recommended.