Perceived Illness Intrusiveness by the Characteristics of Primary Caregivers in Stroke Patients

Kim, Inja

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was implemented to investigate perceived illness intrusiveness in stroke patients by the characteristics of primary caregivers. METHOD: Retrospective cross-sectional survey design was used. The subjects were 225 stroke patients and their primary caregivers. Demographic variables, relationship variables, burden, depression and support were measured as primary caregivers' characteristics. Data were analyzed with SPSS win 14+. T-test, ANOVA and correlation test were used depending on variables. RESULT: Demographic variables such as age, gender, relation with patients, and living status were not related significantly with illness intrusiveness. But primary caregivers' burden, depression and support were related significantly with perceived illness intrusiveness of stroke patients. That is, burden, depression and quantitative support of primary caregivers were significantly positively correlated with perceived illness intrusiveness of stroke patients. On the other hand, qualitative support was negatively correlated with perceived illness intrusiveness. CONCLUSION: Primary caregivers' characteristics such as burden, depression and support were found to be correlated with stroke patients perception such as illness intrusiveness. So, it is recommended that nursing intervention targeting burden, depression and support of primary caregivers must be developed to reduce illness intrusiveness of stroke patients.