Correlates of well-being among caregivers of long-term community-dwelling stroke survivors

Int J Rehabil Res. 2016 Dec;39(4):326-330. doi: 10.1097/MRR.0000000000000192.

Abstract

Although caregiving for stroke survivors is usually long-term, most studies on caregivers have generally involved only the first year following the event. We assessed and compared the long-term level of well-being measures among stroke survivors and their caregivers at more than 1 year following the stroke event and examined the associations between well-being, survivors' characteristics, and caregiver burden. We interviewed a convenience sample of 51 community-dwelling stroke survivors, at least 1 year after the last stroke event, and their primary caregivers. Disability of survivors was assessed using the Barthel index and the modified Rankin Scale; health-related quality of life by the SF-36 questionnaire; and depression and anxiety using the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale. Caregivers filled the SF-36 questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale questionnaire, and the Zarit Burden Interview, which assesses caregiver burden. Caregivers reported low levels of health-related quality of life and high levels of burden, anxiety, and depression. Caregivers' anxiety level was higher than that of the survivors (7.7±5.1 vs. 5.8±4.5, respectively; P=0.02). Anxiety was the only characteristic of caregivers that was associated with overall caregiver burden. Our study suggests that there is a spillover effect of the disease on stroke patients' primary caregivers. Intervention programs for caregivers should focus on their mental state and address their specific needs.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Aged
  • Anxiety Disorders / diagnosis
  • Anxiety Disorders / psychology
  • Caregivers / psychology*
  • Cost of Illness
  • Depressive Disorder / diagnosis
  • Depressive Disorder / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Independent Living / psychology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Quality of Life / psychology*
  • Statistics as Topic
  • Stroke / complications
  • Stroke / psychology*
  • Stroke Rehabilitation / psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Survivors / psychology*