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Koh YS, Subramaniam M, Matchar DB, Hong SI, Koh GCH. The associations between caregivers’ psychosocial characteristics and caregivers’ depressive symptoms in stroke settings: a cohort study. BMC Psychol 2022; 10:121. [PMID: 35534900 PMCID: PMC9082830 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-022-00828-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Studies have found that caregivers can influence stroke survivors’ outcomes, such as mortality. It is thus pertinent to identify significant factors associated with caregivers’ outcomes. The study objective was to examine the associations between caregivers’ psychosocial characteristics and caregivers’ depressive symptoms. Methods The analysis obtained three-month and one-year post-stroke data from the Singapore Stroke Study, which was collected from hospital settings. Caregivers’ depressive symptoms were assessed via the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression instrument. Psychosocial characteristics of caregivers included subjective burden (Zarit Burden Interview), quality of care-relationship (a modified 3-item scale from the University of Southern California Longitudinal Study of Three-Generation Families) and expressive social support (an 8-item scale from Pearlin et al.). Mixed effect Tobit regressions were used to examine the associations between these study variables. Results A total of 214 caregivers of stroke patients hospitalized were included in the final analysis. Most caregivers were Chinese women with secondary school education, unemployed and married to the patients. Caregivers' subjective burden was positively associated with their depressive symptoms (Partial regression coefficient: 0.18, 95% CI 0.11–0.24). Quality of care-relationship (Partial regression coefficient: − 0.35, 95% CI − 0.63 to − 0.06) and expressive social support (partial regression coefficient: − 0.28, 95% CI − 0.37 to − 0.19) were negatively associated with caregivers’ depressive symptoms. Caregivers’ depressive symptoms were higher at three-month post-stroke than one-year post-stroke (Partial regression coefficient: − 1.00, 95% CI − 1.80 to − 0.20). Conclusion The study identified subjective burden, quality of care-relationship and expressive social support as significantly associated with caregivers’ depressive symptoms. Caregivers’ communication skills may also play a role in reducing caregivers’ depressive symptoms. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40359-022-00828-2.
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Lin A, Vranceanu AM, Guanci M, Salgueiro D, Rosand J, Zale EL. Gender Differences in Longitudinal Associations Between Intimate Care, Resiliency, and Depression Among Informal Caregivers of Patients Surviving the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit. Neurocrit Care 2021; 32:512-521. [PMID: 31270671 DOI: 10.1007/s12028-019-00772-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE Informal caregivers (e.g., family and friends) are at risk for developing depression, which can be detrimental to both caregiver and patient functioning. Initial evidence suggests that resiliency may reduce the risk of depression. However, gender differences in associations between multiple psychosocial resiliency factors and depression have not been examined among neuroscience intensive care unit (neuro-ICU) caregivers. We explored interactions between caregiver gender and baseline resiliency factors on depression symptom severity at baseline through 3 and 6 months post-discharge. METHODS Caregivers (N = 96) of neuro-ICU patients able to provide informed consent to participate in research were enrolled as part of a prospective, longitudinal study in the neuro-ICU of a major academic medical center. Caregiver sociodemographics and resiliency factors (coping, mindfulness, self-efficacy, intimate care, and preparedness for caregiving) were assessed during the patient's hospitalization (i.e., baseline). Levels of depressive symptoms were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months post-discharge. RESULTS Baseline depressive symptoms predicted depressive symptoms at both 3- and 6-month follow-ups, with no difference at any time point in rates of depression by gender. At baseline, greater levels of coping, mindfulness, and preparedness for caregiving were individually associated with lower levels of concurrent depression regardless of gender (ps < 0.006). The main effect of baseline coping remained significant at 3-month follow-up (p = 0.045). We observed a trend-level interaction between gender and baseline intimate care, such that among male caregivers only, high baseline intimate care was associated with lower depression at 3-month follow-up (p = 0.055). At 6-month follow-up, we observed a significant interaction between caregiver gender and baseline intimate care, such that male caregivers reporting high intimate care reported lower symptoms of depression than females reporting high intimate care (p = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS Results support implementation of psychosocial resiliency interventions for caregivers of patients admitted to the neuro-ICU early in the recovery process. Male caregivers may particularly benefit from strategies focused on increasing intimate care (e.g., physical and emotional affection with their loved one) and quality of the patient-caregiver dyadic relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Lin
- Integrated Brain Health Clinical and Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, One Bowdoin Square, Suite 100, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Ana-Maria Vranceanu
- Integrated Brain Health Clinical and Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, One Bowdoin Square, Suite 100, Boston, MA, 02114, USA. .,Henry and Allison McCance Center for Brain Health, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. .,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Mary Guanci
- Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Danielle Salgueiro
- Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan Rosand
- Henry and Allison McCance Center for Brain Health, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emily L Zale
- Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, USA
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Cong L, Ju Y, Gui L, Zhang B, Ding F, Zou C. The Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy in Sleep Disorder and Depressive Symptoms Among Chinese Caregivers of Stroke Inpatients: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2021; 17:3635-3643. [PMID: 34934316 PMCID: PMC8684603 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s338241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Caregivers of stroke inpatients are at high risk of sleep disorder, which may lead to depressive symptoms. Self-efficacy has always been regarded as a protective factor against psychological disorders such as depressive symptoms. This study aims to investigate the sleep disorder and depressive symptoms of caregivers of stroke inpatients in China and explore the mediating effect of self-efficacy between sleep disorder and depressive symptoms among Chinese caregivers of stroke inpatients. PATIENTS AND METHODS In this cross-sectional study, a total of 305 caregivers who were hospitalized with stroke patients completed the PROMIS Sleep Disorder Short Form Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 in two general public hospitals in northeast and southeast China. A structural equation model with bootstrap method was performed to determine the mediation of self-efficacy between sleep disorder and depressive symptoms. RESULTS Among the participants, 55.4% of caregivers reported depressive symptoms. Sleep disorder and self-efficacy were significant predictors of depressive symptoms. The direct impact of sleep disorder on depressive symptoms was positive, and the path coefficient of sleep disorder with depressive symptoms was decreased from 0.45 to 0.38 (P < 0.01) after addition of self-efficacy in the model. This indicated that self-efficacy played as mediator. CONCLUSION The caregivers of stroke inpatients were in poor physical and psychological health, and more than half of the caregivers (55.4%) suffered from depressive symptoms. Our research revealed the mediation of self-efficacy between sleep disorder and depressive symptoms, and emphasized the importance of enhancing self-efficacy to reduce depressive symptoms among caregivers of stroke inpatients. These results demonstrate that focusing on self-efficacy interventions can enhance mental health and reduce depressive symptoms effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longjuan Cong
- Department of Social Medicine, College of Health Management, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanhong Ju
- Section of Statistics, 4th People's Hospital of Shenyang, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Gui
- Department of Health Service Management, College of Health Management, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Social Medicine, College of Health Management, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Fangyan Ding
- Department of Health Service Management, College of Health Management, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Changqing Zou
- School of Health Humanities, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
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Abeasi D. Depression and quality of life among family caregivers of Stroke Survivors in Ghana: The role of social support. ARCHIVES OF MENTAL HEALTH 2020. [DOI: 10.4103/amh.amh_21_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Em S, Bozkurt M, Caglayan M, Ceylan Cevik F, Kaya C, Oktayoglu P, Nas K. Psychological health of caregivers and association with functional status of stroke patients. Top Stroke Rehabil 2017; 24:323-329. [PMID: 28317472 DOI: 10.1080/10749357.2017.1280901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Stroke does not only affect the physical state of patients but also the emotional state of their relatives, most effectively their caregivers. The study aims to examine the mood of caregivers experienced with care for patients with stroke who are highly dependent on the assistance and also to establish the relationship between the emotional state of caregivers and the severity of disability of the patients. METHODS This study contained a total of 76 patients with sufficient cognitive functions and severe physical disabilities with hemiplegia caused by a cerebrovascular accident and their caregivers and 94 controls. The functional state of patients was assessed by the Barthel Index (BI). Furthermore, emotional state of the caregivers was assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and their life quality was assessed by the SF36 Health Survey. RESULTS The mean anxiety (9.73 ± 4.88) and depression rates (9.81 ± 5.05) in the caregivers were significantly higher than those in controls (p<0.001, respectively). Significant impairments were observed in both their mental and physical health. Regression analysis also showed a significant negative correlation between the BI scores and the HADS scores. CONCLUSION Caregivers had an impaired emotional state and the level of their anxiety was associated with the severity of functional disability of the patients. Therefore, the support provided to the caregiver might be influential on the functional recovery of the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serda Em
- a Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation , Dicle University , Diyarbakir , Turkey
| | - Mehtap Bozkurt
- a Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation , Dicle University , Diyarbakir , Turkey
| | - Mehmet Caglayan
- a Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation , Dicle University , Diyarbakir , Turkey
| | - Figen Ceylan Cevik
- b Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation , Diyarbakır Training and Research Hospital , Diyarbakır , Turkey
| | - Cemal Kaya
- c Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry , Dicle University , Diyarbakir , Turkey
| | - Pelin Oktayoglu
- a Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation , Dicle University , Diyarbakir , Turkey
| | - Kemal Nas
- d Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation , Sakarya University , Sakarya , Turkey
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Jessup NM, Bakas T, McLennon SM, Weaver MT. Are there gender, racial or relationship differences in caregiver task difficulty, depressive symptoms and life changes among stroke family caregivers? Brain Inj 2014; 29:17-24. [PMID: 25141098 PMCID: PMC4860205 DOI: 10.3109/02699052.2014.947631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2014] [Revised: 06/25/2014] [Accepted: 07/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine differences in caregiver perceptions of task difficulty, depressive symptoms and life changes based on caregiver characteristics of gender, race and type of relationship to the person with stroke. METHODS A sample of 243 stroke caregivers (females n = 191; males n = 52; non-African Americans n = 184; African Americans n = 59; non-spouses n = 127; spouses n = 116) were interviewed by telephone within 8 weeks of the survivor's discharge to home. Measures included the Oberst Caregiving Burden Scale (OCBS) for task difficulty, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for depressive symptoms and Bakas Caregiving Outcomes Scale (BCOS) for life changes. Three general linear models computed differences in OCBS, PHQ9 and OCBS scores. RESULTS Significant differences were found on the OCBS for females (p < 0.001) and African American spouses (p < 0.048); on the PHQ9 for females (p < 0.001), non-African Americans (p = 0.047), spouses (p = 0.003) and African-American spouses (p = 0.010); and on the BCOS for females (p = 0.008) and non-African Americans (p = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that female and non-African American stroke caregivers are relatively more likely to experience task difficulty, depressive symptoms and negative life changes as a result of providing care. African American spouses were also at risk. Tailoring interventions based on caregivers' characteristics may improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nenette M. Jessup
- Research Associate and Project Manager, Indiana University School of Nursing, 1111 Middle Drive, NU 235, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, 317-274-7549,
| | - Tamilyn Bakas
- Professor and Chair, Department of Science of Nursing Care, Indiana University School of Nursing, 1111 Middle Drive, NU 413, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, 317-274-4695,
| | - Susan M. McLennon
- Assistant Professor, Indiana University School of Nursing, 1111 Middle Drive, NU W437, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, 317-278-0459,
| | - Michael T. Weaver
- Interim Associate Dean for Research and Professor, Indiana University School of Nursing, 1111 Middle Drive, NU 340D, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, 317-274-0385,
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Cumming TB, Cadilhac DA, Rubin G, Crafti N, Pearce DC. Psychological Distress and Social Support in Informal Caregivers of Stroke Survivors. BRAIN IMPAIR 2012. [DOI: 10.1375/brim.9.2.152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
AbstractBackground: A high degree of burden is often experienced by informal caregivers of stroke survivors. However, little is known about the long-term impact of the caregiving role. This study sought to examine the relationship between social support and the psychological effects experienced by long-term caregivers of stroke survivors. Methods: The design was a prospective, multicentre, hospital-based stroke cohort study with 3 years of follow-up. Caregivers of participating stroke survivors completed questionnaires either through face-to-face interview or over the telephone. Primary outcome measures were the Medical Outcome Study (MOS) Social Support Survey and the Irritability, Depression, and Anxiety (IDA) Scale, and the association between them was investigated using multivariate logistic regression. Results: 174/217 (80%) stroke survivors participated at 3 years, involving 116 informal caregivers (mean age 66.9 years, 71% female). Increasing social support was correlated with lower levels of depression, anxiety and inward irritability in caregivers. Social support was independently associated with anxiety (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.35–0.85; p = .007) and inward irritability (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.29–0.77; p = .002). Furthermore, social support was significantly associated with carer strain, as assessed by the Caregiver Strain Index. Conclusions: The amount of social support available to long-term caregivers of stroke survivors may be an important factor in lowering psychological burden in these caregivers.
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Turner B, Fleming J, Parry J, Vromans M, Cornwell P, Gordon C, Ownsworth T. Caregivers of Adults With Traumatic Brain Injury: The Emotional Impact of Transition From Hospital to Home. BRAIN IMPAIR 2012. [DOI: 10.1375/brim.11.3.281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
AbstractPrimary Objective:To explore levels of depression, anxiety, stress and strain symptomatology experienced by caregivers of adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI) during the phase of transition from hospital to home.Research Design: Prospective study with data collected at three time-points: pre-discharge, 1-month post-discharge, and 3-months post-discharge.Methods and Procedures: Twenty-nine caregivers of adults with TBI (mean age 48 years), recruited on patient discharge from rehabilitation, completed the Caregiver Strain Index and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale at the three time points.Results: Pairedttests showed significantly lower levels of caregiver strain at one month compared to pre-discharge, and significantly less strain and depression symptoms at 3-month follow-up compared to pre-discharge. Non-significant reductions were observed in level of stress and anxiety across the follow-up time points. Independent groupttests found that female caregivers experienced greater strain than male caregivers at 3 months post-discharge, and caregivers who were immediate family members of the patient experienced greater anxiety than those who were spouses/partners of the patient at 1-month follow-up.Conclusions: The rate of depressive symptoms in caregivers of people with TBI was greater than the general population, and strain was prevalent during the transition period. The results suggest more specific caregiver support and preparation is needed before patient discharge from hospital, and that adequate time spent in rehabilitation is beneficial for caregiver wellbeing.
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Bucki B, Spitz E, Baumann M. Prendre soin des personnes après AVC : réactions émotionnelles des aidants informels hommes et femmes. SANTE PUBLIQUE 2012. [DOI: 10.3917/spub.122.0143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
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King RB, Hartke RJ, Houle TT. Patterns of relationships between background characteristics, coping, and stroke caregiver outcomes. Top Stroke Rehabil 2010; 17:308-17. [PMID: 20826419 DOI: 10.1310/tsr1704-308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Little is known about mediators of stroke caregiver outcomes or patterns of relationships of outcome predictors. We examined relationships between the variable sets of caregiver and stroke survivor characteristics, coping (proposed mediators), and caregiver outcomes. METHODS We assessed 253 dyads prior to discharge from acute rehabilitation. Outcomes were depression, anxiety, preparedness, life change, and family functioning. Coping included problem solving, caregiver appraisal, and unmet resource needs. Multivariate canonical correlation analyses were computed between the sets of variables to identify unique patterns of relationships. RESULTS Six patterns of significant relationships were found (R =.30 to .84, Ps <.01 to .02). The strongest relationship was that between greater threat appraisal and negative life change, greater anxiety, and lower caregiving preparedness (P < .01). Caregiver characteristics (nonwhite, spousal caregivers) were related significantly to several outcomes (positive life change, lower anxiety, and less healthy family functioning) (R = .43, P <.01) and remained significant after controlling for the effect of mediators (R = .32, P < .02). CONCLUSION Findings suggest various patterns of relationships that provide guidance for individualizing early caregiver intervention. Clinicians can build on caregivers' strengths while identifying threats to adaptation to tailor interventions that promote healthy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemarie B King
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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Family functioning is associated with depressive symptoms in caregivers of acute stroke survivors. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2009; 90:947-55. [PMID: 19480870 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2008.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2008] [Revised: 12/11/2008] [Accepted: 12/13/2008] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether family functioning is uniquely associated with caregiver depressive symptoms in the immediate aftermath of stroke. DESIGN Cross-sectional data from the baseline assessment of an intervention study for stroke survivors and their families. SETTING Neurology inpatient service of a large urban hospital. PARTICIPANTS Stroke survivors (n=192), each with a primary caregiver. The mean age of stroke survivors was 66 years, and most, 57%, were men (n=110). The mean age of caregivers was 57 years, and 73% (n=140) of the caregivers were women. Eighty-five percent of caregivers were white. INTERVENTIONS Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Measures were chosen to assess caregivers' depressive symptoms (Centers for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale), family functioning (Family Assessment Device), and additional factors such as health status (Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey) and stroke survivors' cognitive abilities (modified Mini-Mental State Examination) and functional impairments (FIM and Frenchay Activities Index). RESULTS Depressive symptoms were mild to moderate in 14% and severe in 27% of caregivers. Family functioning was assessed as unhealthy in 34% of caregiver-patient dyads. In statistical regression models, caregiver depression was associated with patients' sex, caregivers' general health, and family functioning. CONCLUSIONS Forty-one percent of caregivers experienced prominent depressive symptoms after their family member's stroke. Higher depression severity in caregivers was associated with caring for a man, and having worse health and poor family functioning. After stroke, the assessment of caregivers' health and family functioning may help determine which caregivers are most at risk for a depressive syndrome.
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Haley WE, Allen JY, Grant JS, Clay OJ, Perkins M, Roth DL. Problems and benefits reported by stroke family caregivers: results from a prospective epidemiological study. Stroke 2009; 40:2129-33. [PMID: 19407230 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.108.545269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Stroke symptoms can be very stressful for family caregivers, but most knowledge about the prevalence and stressfulness of stroke-related patient problems is derived from convenience samples. In addition, little is known about perceived benefits of the stroke caregiving experience. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and stressfulness of stroke-related problems, and perceived benefits of caregiving, as reported by an epidemiologically derived sample of caregivers of stroke survivors. METHODS Stroke survivors (N=75) from a prospective epidemiological study of stroke, the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study, and their family caregivers were followed. Caregivers were given a comprehensive telephone interview 8 to 12 months after the stroke, using measures of stroke patient problems, caregiver appraisals of the stressfulness of these problems, and perceived benefits of caregiving. RESULTS Caregivers rated patient problems with mood (depression, loneliness and anxiety), memory, and physical care (bowel control), as the most stressful, but reported prevalence of these problems was lower than those reported previously in studies using clinical samples. Caregivers also reported many benefits from caregiving, with over 90% reporting that caregiving enabled them to appreciate life more. CONCLUSIONS Epidemiologically based studies of stroke caregiving provide a unique picture of caregiver strains and benefits compared with clinical studies, which tend to over-represent more impaired patients. Support for caregivers should include interventions to aid their coping with highly stressful mood, physical care, and cognitive problems of stroke patients, but should also attend to perceived benefits of caregiving.
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Affiliation(s)
- William E Haley
- School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, MHC 1343, 4202 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33620-8100, USA.
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Qiu Y, Li S. Stroke: coping strategies and depression among Chinese caregivers of survivors during hospitalisation. J Clin Nurs 2008; 17:1563-73. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2702.2007.02156.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Greenwood N, Mackenzie A, Cloud GC, Wilson N. Informal carers of stroke survivors--factors influencing carers: a systematic review of quantitative studies. Disabil Rehabil 2008; 30:1329-49. [PMID: 19230230 DOI: 10.1080/09638280701602178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite increasing evidence of adverse effects on informal carers of caring for stroke survivors, little is known about the characteristics of carers and survivors that influence carer outcomes. The purpose of this review is to summarize factors influencing outcomes in carers of stroke survivors. METHODS A systematic review of studies identified from English language medicine, nursing and psychology databases from 1996-2006 was carried out. RESULTS Thirty-nine studies were identified. Studies from Europe and the USA investigating negative carer outcomes dominated. Carer psychological characteristics and survivor disability were shown to influence carer outcomes. However, the diversity of carers and outcomes investigated and differences in study timing post-stroke make generalizations difficult. CONCLUSIONS Despite improvements in study design over the last two decades, atheoretical studies employing overlapping concepts and poorly defined participants still dominate. Future studies should have theoretical underpinning and should acknowledge the diversity of carers, survivors and their situations. In addition, future emphasis on positive carer outcomes may improve understanding of protective carer factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Greenwood
- Faculty of Health and Social Care Sciences, St George's University of London and Kingston University, London, UK.
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Abstract
How can family caregivers develop the knowledge and confidence necessary to be successful in providing care to their loved ones at home? This article describes a formal education program for family caregivers, created by Winchester Hospital's Community Health Institute in Massachusetts, to meet their needs. The article also describes a study that Winchester Hospital's Community Health Institute undertook to evaluate the effectiveness of this education program on increasing the skills and confidence of family caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan E Powers
- Winchester Hospital, Community Health Institute, 12 Alfred Street, Woburn, MA 01801, USA.
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