Abstract
African American Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) family caregivers are at higher risk for morbidity and mortality compared to their non-Latino White counterparts. However, less is known about gender differences during the caregiving process and self-care practices, which may influence health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine African American ADRD family caregivers’ caregiving experiences and self-care practices by gender. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted to assess caregiving experiences and self-care practices among 25 African American ADRD family caregivers. Caregivers participated in one-time, individual, semi-structured interviews. Content analyses revealed themes of stressors, resources, and coping associated with gender differences. Family caregivers were primarily adult children (68%, n=17) with some college education. The majority of caregivers were women (60%, n = 15) and between the ages of 50 and 89. Findings suggest complex stressors, including discrimination and gender role expectations, resources, and coping influenced the caregiving experience and self-care practices based on gender. These findings will further inform the design and implementation of a gender-tailored intervention to meet specific needs and improve the health of African American ADRD family caregivers who have been underrepresented in intervention research.