Health promotion behaviors in Chinese family caregivers of patients with stroke

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between and among the caregiver's personal factors, the care recipient's functional status, the caregiver's perceived self-efficacy, social support, reactions to caregiving, and health promotion behaviors in family caregivers of community-dwelling stroke patients in Taiwan. A structured home-interview survey methodology was used to collect data from 134 primary caregivers responsible for care of stroke patients in Taipei, Taiwan. The study results indicated that, in general, caregivers were female spousal caregivers (mean age 52 years, average caregiving period 24 months). Regression analyses revealed that the caregiver's health status was the strongest positive predictor of caregiver self-efficacy. Spousal caregivers with a better-perceived health status were more satisfied with their resources of social supports. Spousal caregivers with poor perceived health status had a higher level of caregiving strain. Results for the overall model indicated caregiver's social support and the care recipient's functional status made significant contributions in explaining the caregiver's health promotion behaviors. Implications for further practice suggest establishing community training programs and support groups for family caregivers.

Family caregivers' perceptions and experiences regarding caring for older adults with chronic diseases

“…A family caregiver is defined as anyone who provides unpaid physical and emotional care to an ill or disabled loved one at home including parents, children, spouses, as well as neighbours and friends 2,3 . Tang and Chen 4 show that there has been an increase in health risks among family caregivers which influences their well-being and quality of life. These health risks have been identified as influencing the family caregivers' role and include social isolation, lack of knowledge, limited skills, personal coping styles, stress, depression, anxiety, poor sleeping habits and physical health complications 2,4,5,6,7,8,9 .…”

“…Tang and Chen 4 show that there has been an increase in health risks among family caregivers which influences their well-being and quality of life. These health risks have been identified as influencing the family caregivers' role and include social isolation, lack of knowledge, limited skills, personal coping styles, stress, depression, anxiety, poor sleeping habits and physical health complications 2,4,5,6,7,8,9 . Caring for older adults with chronic diseases can also result in occupational imbalance as a result of family, career, and care giving demands 5 .…”

Anxiety, Depression And Burnout Levels In Caregivers Of Stroke Patients In A Rehabilitation Hospital

“…Supportive psychotherapy other than psychoeducation can also be helpful to caregivers. [4] Instilling and maintaining hope is an important issue to be included in psychotherapy sessions. Groups that would provide support to the caregivers of stroke patients could be organized, similar to groups formed for the families of Alzheimer patients and others.…”

“…Stroke creates a crisis, especially for family members who provide primary care for the patient, and anxiety, depression, and burnout syndrome can frequently be observed in these caregivers if there is no intervention. [3,4] This study was an evaluation of the level of anxiety, depression, and burnout in caregivers of stroke patients.…”

The Relationship Between Perceived Social Support and Lifestyle in Middle-Aged Females of Ahvaz, Iran

“…The study by Tang et al (25) on Chinese family caregivers of patients with stroke showed that perceived social support had a direct and positive correlation with such individuals' lifestyle. The study by Taechaboonsermsak et al (24) on females with cervical cancer and under treatment with radiation therapy evaluated a variety of emotional, information and instrumental supports and reported overall correlation between healthpromoting behavior and support.…”