A survey of caregiver burden for stroke survivors in non-teaching hospitals in Western China

Abstract

The social factors that moderate stroke caregiver burden have been found to be culture- and gender-specific. We examined the factors that influence the social support and self-efficacy of caregivers of stroke survivors and the burden of caregiving in China. To determine the caregiver burden of stroke survivors, their social support, and their self-efficacy. A total of 328 stroke survivors and their caregivers were recruited from 4 tertiary medical centers to participate in this cross-sectional study. The sociodemographic and stroke-related characteristics of the participants were obtained. Perceived social support and self-efficacy were assessed using the Social Support Rating Scale and General Self-efficacy Scale, respectively. Caregiver burden was assessed using the Zarit Burden Interview Scale. Relationships between the variables were assessed using Pearson’s correlation, the chi-square test, and a paired t test. A total of 27.4% of the caregivers reported receiving adequate social support, while 20.7% reported high levels of self-efficacy. A total of 67.1% of the caregivers experienced varying degrees of care burden, while the remaining 32.9% felt no burden. Participants’ sociodemographic characteristics (age, daily care time, self-rated health, and financial situation) were significantly related to caregiver burden, social support, and self-efficacy (P < .001). The findings indicate an inverse relationship between caregiver burden, social support and self-efficacy. Adequate social support and self-efficacy can reduce stroke caregivers’ burden. Hospital departments should provide assistance to stroke caregivers through educational programs and group training to increase their social support and self-efficacy, thereby alleviating their burden.

Caregiver burden and its associated factors among primary caregivers of stroke survivors at Amhara regional state tertiary hospitals: a multicenter study

“…In our study, 67% (284) of primary caregivers experienced a burden from care, with a high proportion experiencing a mild to moderate burden (61.1%) followed by a high burden (5.9%). The finding is consistent with that of studies conducted in China (Cao et al, 2022) and India (Menon et al, 2017) that revealed 67.1 and 65% of the participants were experiencing varying degrees of burden, respectively. But lower than the study conducted in Nigeria (Akosile et al, 2018), where 96.7% of caregivers reported having a high burden.…”

A Holistic Approach to Expressing the Burden of Caregivers for Stroke Survivors: A Systematic Review

“…The interplay between caregivers’ self-rated health and their burden is another recurrent theme [ 30 , 35 , 37 ] converging on the notion that caregivers with better self-rated health tend to experience a lower burden. Conversely, poorer self-rated health intensifies the burden experienced by caregivers, leading to a cyclic relationship.…”

“…The type of health insurance does not substantially reduce caregiver burden due to limited reimbursement content. Low insurance reimbursement rates contribute to the financial strain experienced by caregivers [ 35 ]. Prolonged hospitalization leads to increased financial burden on caregivers due to expenses associated with hospital visits and increased susceptibility to infections.…”

“…Caregivers’ social functioning is also affected, with studies indicating reduced engagement in personal, work, and social activities due to caregiving demands [ 19 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 31 , 37 , 40 , 53 ]. Financial challenges, including reduced employment opportunities and high medical expenses, further compound the burden on caregivers, as highlighted in various studies [ 27 , 29 , 30 , 35 , 40 , 46 ].…”