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The Effects of Patients’ and Caregivers’ Characteristics on the Burden of Families Caring for Stroke Survivors

Author

Listed:
  • Anna Kavga

    (Nursing Department, University of West Attica, 12243 Egaleo, Greece)

  • Ioannis Kalemikerakis

    (Nursing Department, University of West Attica, 12243 Egaleo, Greece)

  • Anastasios Faros

    (Nursing Department, University of West Attica, 12243 Egaleo, Greece)

  • Maria Milaka

    (Nursing Department, 2nd Health Center of Athens, 12131 Athens, Greece)

  • Dimitra Tsekoura

    (Hellenic Red Cross, 10672 Athens, Greece)

  • Maria Skoulatou

    (Nursing Department, General Hospital-Health Center of Naxos, 84300 Naxos, Greece)

  • Ioanna Tsatsou

    (Oncology-Hematology Department, Hellenic Airforce General Hospital, 11523 Athens, Greece)

  • Ourania Govina

    (Nursing Department, University of West Attica, 12243 Egaleo, Greece)

Abstract

Background: Vascular strokes are the leading cause of long-term disability for adults. They impose high levels of burden on the patient, the family, and national healthcare systems worldwide. This study aimed to assess the effects of patients’ and caregivers’ characteristics on the perceptions of burden in families caring for a loved one living with stroke in Greece. Methods: Using purposive sampling, 109 dyads of patients and their respective caregivers were recruited from the Attica region. Patients completed a questionnaire that included personal characteristics and the Barthel Index, while caregivers completed a set of questionnaires—personal characteristics, revised Bakas Caregiving Outcomes Scale (BCOS), Personal Resource Questionnaire (PRQ 2000), and Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D). Results: Caregiving burden was linked to both patients’ and caregivers’ characteristics. A patient’s educational level, the number of family members living in the same house, the existence of equipment and facilities in the house, and the duration of provided care were associated with perception of greater burden. Regarding caregivers’ characteristics, those in good health had a significantly lower perception of burden. Higher PRQ 2000 scores were significantly associated with higher BCOS scores (less burden), and higher CES-D scores were significantly associated with lower BCOS scores (more burden). Conclusion: Caring for a loved one affected by stroke places a considerable burden on the caregiver. Systematic assessment and intervention strategies can help to identify caregivers at risk so that suitably targeted assistance may be provided.

Suggested Citation

  • Anna Kavga & Ioannis Kalemikerakis & Anastasios Faros & Maria Milaka & Dimitra Tsekoura & Maria Skoulatou & Ioanna Tsatsou & Ourania Govina, 2021. "The Effects of Patients’ and Caregivers’ Characteristics on the Burden of Families Caring for Stroke Survivors," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-11, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:14:p:7298-:d:590490
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ashley Kable & Dimity Pond & Amanda Baker & Alyna Turner & Christopher Levi, 2018. "Evaluation of discharge documentation after hospitalization for stroke patients discharged home in Australia: A cross‐sectional, pilot study," Nursing & Health Sciences, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 20(1), pages 24-30, March.
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