Burden of Care and Quality of Life among Caregivers of Stroke Survivors: Influence of Clinical and Demographic Variables

Abstract

Aim: To determine the factors that significantly impact on the caregivers’ burden and their quality of life (QoL) in the process of caring for stroke survivors. Study Design: A cross sectional study design was used. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Physiotherapy Department of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi-Ghana, between August 2016 and January 2017. Methodology: Data capturing form, Caregiver strain index and Short Form 36 Health Survey (RAND SF-36) were used to retrieve information concerning demographics, burden of care and QoL respectively from the caregivers while Barthel index was used to assess the stroke survivors’ functional limitation. Statistical analyses were performed on the interrelationships among the study variables. Results: Sixty (60) caregivers participated in this study out of which, 39(65.0%) were females. Forty-one (68.3%) of the caregivers were employed, of which 25(61.0%) were involved in blue collar jobs. Children of the stroke survivors constituted majority 23(38.3%) of the caregivers. Most of the caregivers 31(51.7%) have been giving care for up to 4 months prior to this study.  The average score on the Caregiver Strain Index (CSI) was 9±3 which implies severe strain. Role limitation due to physical functioning and emotional problems were the worst affected QoL domains. There was a positive significant association between the strain experienced by the caregivers and the functional limitation of the stroke survivors (p=0.028). Sex, employment status, relationship to patient, and marital status of the caregivers were significantly associated (p<0.05) with their QoL. Conclusion: The level of functional limitations presented by the sampled stroke survivors in this study was the single major determinant of burden among the caregivers whilst sex, employment status, relationship to patient, and marital status of the caregivers also have appreciable impact on their QoL.