Joanne Woodford1, Paul Farrand1, Edward R Watkins2, David J LLewellyn3,4. 1. a Clinical Education Development and Research (CEDAR), Psychology: College of Life and Environmental Sciences , University of Exeter , Exeter , United Kingdom. 2. b Mood Disorders Centre, Psychology: College of Life and Environmental Sciences , University of Exeter , Exeter , United Kingdom. 3. c University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter , Exeter , United Kingdom. 4. d The National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care for the South West Peninsula (NIHR PenCLAHRC) , Exeter, United Kingdom.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Health and social care services are increasingly reliant on informal caregivers to provide long-term support to stroke survivors. However, caregiving is associated with elevated levels of depression and anxiety in the caregiver that may also negatively impact stroke survivor recovery. This qualitative study aims to understand the specific difficulties experienced by caregivers experiencing elevated symptoms of anxiety and depression. METHODS: Nineteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with caregivers experiencing elevated levels of depression and anxiety, with a thematic analysis approach adopted for analysis. RESULTS: Analysis revealed three main themes: Difficulties adapting to the caring role; Uncertainty; and Lack of support. CONCLUSIONS: Caregivers experienced significant difficulties adapting to changes and losses associated with becoming a caregiver, such as giving up roles and goals of importance and value. Such difficulties persisted into the long-term and were coupled with feelings of hopelessness and worry. Difficulties were further exacerbated by social isolation, lack of information and poor long-term health and social care support. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: A greater understanding of difficulties experienced by depressed and anxious caregivers may inform the development of psychological support targeting difficulties unique to the caring role. Improving caregiver mental health may also result in health benefits for stroke survivors themselves.
OBJECTIVES: Health and social care services are increasingly reliant on informal caregivers to provide long-term support to stroke survivors. However, caregiving is associated with elevated levels of depression and anxiety in the caregiver that may also negatively impact stroke survivor recovery. This qualitative study aims to understand the specific difficulties experienced by caregivers experiencing elevated symptoms of anxiety and depression. METHODS: Nineteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with caregivers experiencing elevated levels of depression and anxiety, with a thematic analysis approach adopted for analysis. RESULTS: Analysis revealed three main themes: Difficulties adapting to the caring role; Uncertainty; and Lack of support. CONCLUSIONS: Caregivers experienced significant difficulties adapting to changes and losses associated with becoming a caregiver, such as giving up roles and goals of importance and value. Such difficulties persisted into the long-term and were coupled with feelings of hopelessness and worry. Difficulties were further exacerbated by social isolation, lack of information and poor long-term health and social care support. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: A greater understanding of difficulties experienced by depressed and anxious caregivers may inform the development of psychological support targeting difficulties unique to the caring role. Improving caregiver mental health may also result in health benefits for stroke survivors themselves.
Authors: Gabriella T Ponzini; Brenna Kirk; Sarah E Segear; Elizabeth A Claydon; Elizabeth B Engler-Chiurazzi; Shari A Steinman Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-09-05 Impact factor: 4.614
Authors: Muhammad Iqbal Haji Mukhti; Mohd Ismail Ibrahim; Tengku Alina Tengku Ismail; Iliatha Papachristou Nadal; Sureshkumar Kamalakannan; Sanjay Kinra; Kamarul Imran Musa Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-01-14 Impact factor: 3.390