Journal
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE NURSING
Volume 44, Issue 6, Pages 329-336Publisher
LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS
DOI: 10.1097/JNN.0b013e3182682f4c
Keywords
depression; family caregiver; perceived life changes; stroke
Categories
Funding
- Deputy for Research and Technology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences [P/545]
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Most people with stroke are being cared for at home by family caregivers. Giving care is stressful, and family caregivers are predisposed to care-related complications such as life changes and depression. This article is a report of a study that examined the relationship between the perceived care-related life changes and depression in family caregivers of people with stroke, and it identified predictors influencing depression and perceived care-related life changes. A convenience sample of 60 family caregivers completed one demographic data sheet and two questionnaires: Bakas Caregiving Outcomes Scale and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Data were collected in a 1-month period in 2008. According to the findings, the mean score of the subjects on the Bakas Caregiving Outcomes Scale was -5.70, representing an overall negative change related to the caregiving role. The prevalence of people at a risk of depression or being depressed was 40%. Correlation analysis showed that, as perceived life changes score decreases (change for the worst), the score for the feeling of depression increases (r = -.692, p <= .001). Stroke survivors' functional disability significantly predicted both perceived care-related life changes and depression in caregivers. Assessment of caregivers of people with stroke for depressive symptoms should be incorporated in the initial nursing assessment process. The perceived life changes among caregivers should be closely monitored, and follow-up meetings should be planned to support caregivers. The functional disability in people with stroke could be a valuable criterion for planning care for their caregivers.
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