Peii Chen1,2, Denise C Fyffe1,2, Kimberly Hreha3,4. 1. a Kessler Foundation , 1199 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange, New Jersey , 07052 , USA. 2. b Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation , Rutgers University , USA. 3. c Department of Biobehavioral Sciences , Teachers College, Columbia University , USA. 4. d Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation , USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Spatial neglect prolongs stroke survivors' recovery to independence. However, little is known about the impact of spatial neglect on caregivers of stroke survivors. OBJECTIVE: To explore the factors associated with burden and stress among informal caregivers of stroke survivors with spatial neglect. METHODS: Following the previous study of 108 stroke survivors, we reached 24 stroke survivors' caregivers, and 20 caregivers (age: M±SD=56.9±12.7 years; 12 females) completed the study. 10 survivors had symptoms of spatial neglect, and 10 did not (i.e., SN+ or SN-, respectively) at the time when discharged from inpatient rehabilitation, which was 9.3±6.2 months before the present study. Via a semi-structured telephone interview, we assessed caregivers' burden and stress qualitatively and quantitatively. RESULTS: No difference was observed across caregiver groups in cognitive function, depressive mood, or community mobility. In comparison, caregivers of the SN+ group allocated more time to care, controlling for survivors' disability (adjusted effective size d = 1.80). Their self-perceived burden and stress were more severe than the other group (adjusted d = .99). Qualitative analysis indicated caregivers of the SN+ group were more likely to describe economic stressors and undesirable changes in career and vacation planning. While 80% of participants preferred their care recipients to receive additional motor or mobility therapy, caregivers of the SN+ group were more likely to suggest additional therapy for cognitive impairment. CONCLUSIONS: This exploratory study suggests that spatial neglect may heighten caregivers' burden and stress levels. Future studies with a large sample size are required.
BACKGROUND: Spatial neglect prolongs stroke survivors' recovery to independence. However, little is known about the impact of spatial neglect on caregivers of stroke survivors. OBJECTIVE: To explore the factors associated with burden and stress among informal caregivers of stroke survivors with spatial neglect. METHODS: Following the previous study of 108 stroke survivors, we reached 24 stroke survivors' caregivers, and 20 caregivers (age: M±SD=56.9±12.7 years; 12 females) completed the study. 10 survivors had symptoms of spatial neglect, and 10 did not (i.e., SN+ or SN-, respectively) at the time when discharged from inpatient rehabilitation, which was 9.3±6.2 months before the present study. Via a semi-structured telephone interview, we assessed caregivers' burden and stress qualitatively and quantitatively. RESULTS: No difference was observed across caregiver groups in cognitive function, depressive mood, or community mobility. In comparison, caregivers of the SN+ group allocated more time to care, controlling for survivors' disability (adjusted effective size d = 1.80). Their self-perceived burden and stress were more severe than the other group (adjusted d = .99). Qualitative analysis indicated caregivers of the SN+ group were more likely to describe economic stressors and undesirable changes in career and vacation planning. While 80% of participants preferred their care recipients to receive additional motor or mobility therapy, caregivers of the SN+ group were more likely to suggest additional therapy for cognitive impairment. CONCLUSIONS: This exploratory study suggests that spatial neglect may heighten caregivers' burden and stress levels. Future studies with a large sample size are required.
Authors: Elton H Lobo; Anne Frølich; Lene J Rasmussen; Patricia M Livingston; John Grundy; Mohamed Abdelrazek; Finn Kensing Journal: Front Public Health Date: 2021-04-16