Article

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.

Langue : ANGLAIS