Gabriele Wilz1, Tanja Kalytta. 1. Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Technical University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany. gabriele.wilz@gp.tu-berlin.de
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The aim of this longitudinal study was to investigate prevalence rates of anxiety symptoms in stroke patients' spouses and associated factors. METHODS: Data were collected from 114 couples upon the patients' admission for rehabilitation as well as 1 year later and analysed with linear regression analyses. The Beck Anxiety Inventory was used to assess anxiety symptoms. RESULTS: The results showed a high prevalence of anxiety symptoms at both time points of 28.9 and 27.6%. An association was found between spouses' anxiety symptoms at both time points and their gender as well as spouses' anxiety symptoms (at time 2) and patients' perceived disability. CONCLUSIONS: Post-stroke rehabilitation process should include a focus on treating anxiety symptoms in patients' spouses in order to prevent the development of stress-related disorders in this group. (c) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.
BACKGROUND: The aim of this longitudinal study was to investigate prevalence rates of anxiety symptoms in strokepatients' spouses and associated factors. METHODS: Data were collected from 114 couples upon the patients' admission for rehabilitation as well as 1 year later and analysed with linear regression analyses. The Beck Anxiety Inventory was used to assess anxiety symptoms. RESULTS: The results showed a high prevalence of anxiety symptoms at both time points of 28.9 and 27.6%. An association was found between spouses' anxiety symptoms at both time points and their gender as well as spouses' anxiety symptoms (at time 2) and patients' perceived disability. CONCLUSIONS: Post-stroke rehabilitation process should include a focus on treating anxiety symptoms in patients' spouses in order to prevent the development of stress-related disorders in this group. (c) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.
Authors: Elen B Pinto; Iara Maso; Julio L B Pereira; Thiago G Fukuda; Jamile C Seixas; Daniela F Menezes; Carolina Cincura; Iuri S Neville; Pedro A P Jesus; Jamary Oliveira-Filho Journal: Health Qual Life Outcomes Date: 2011-08-10 Impact factor: 3.186