Asian Nurs Res.  2017 Jun;11(2):150-157. 10.1016//j.anr.2017.05.009.

A Community Based Program for Family Caregivers for Post Stroke Survivors in Thailand

• Pitthayapong S
• Thiangtam
• Powwattana A
• Leelacharas S
• Waters CM

• KMID: 2387603
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1016//j.anr.2017.05.009

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the post-stroke care program within the community setting in Thailand.
METHODS
This quasi-experimental study was a nonequivalent control group pre-test and post-test design. A total of 62 pairs of post-stroke patients and their family caregivers were recruited to the study (31 pairs per group). The intervention consisted of a four-week program that included distributing pertinent information, providing skill practice during post-stroke care sessions and utilizing strategies to enhance motivation and behavioral skills of family caregivers based on the information-motivation-behavioral skills model. The family caregivers' post-stroke care skills were evaluated. The patients' activities of daily living (ADLs) and complications were evaluated at baseline and immediately and 2-month post-intervention. Statistical analysis included chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, independent t-test, and two-way repeated measures' analysis of variance.
RESULTS
After participating in the program, family caregivers in the experimental group significantly improved their post-stroke care knowledge and skills as compared to those in the control group (F = 585.81, p < .001). ADLs among post-stroke patients in the experimental group significantly increased over time and were higher than those in the control group (F = 46.01, p < .001). Moreover, complications among patients in the experimental group were less than those in the control group.
CONCLUSIONS
The post-stroke care program improved family caregivers' post-stroke care skills which resulted in improved functional status and decreased complications among post-stroke patients.

Keyword

stroke; recovery; family caregivers; skills; community

MeSH Terms

Activities of Daily Living
Caregivers*
Humans
Motivation
Non-Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
Stroke*
Survivors*
Thailand*