J Korean Acad Fundam Nurs.  2023 Nov;30(4):479-488. 10.7739/jkafn.2023.30.4.479.

Factors Influencing the Quality of Life of Family Caregivers of Stroke Patients: A Cross-Sectional Survey

• Lee JH
• Jung MS

• KMID: 2548553
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7739/jkafn.2023.30.4.479

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to explore the quality of life of family caregivers of stroke patients and investigate how resilience, uncertainty, caregiving appraisal, and patients’ cognitive and functional status affect caregivers’ quality of life. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2018 and November 2020. In total, 199 family caregivers completed self-reported questionnaires, while their family members who had been diagnosed with stroke within the past 6 months underwent nurse-assisted assessments. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, comparative analysis, and multiple regression analysis. Results: Most caregivers were female (82.4%) who provided care to stroke patients in the first 6 months after their diagnosis (mean duration: 65.11±34.50 days). More than half of the patients exhibited mild cognitive impairment (63.8%) and varying degrees of functional dependence (67.3%). Family caregiver’s quality of life was significantly associated with the functional dependence of the patient (β=.56), the duration since diagnosis (β=.16), support from other family members (β=-.25), the caregiver’s gender (β=.13), religious affiliation (β=-.19), employment status (β=.14), and caregiving appraisal (β=-.18). These variables explained approximately 61% of the variance in family caregivers’ quality of life. Conclusion: The findings show a decline in the quality of life of family caregivers in the first 6 months after patients had a stroke for the first time. They also emphasize the importance of considering negative caregiving appraisal, patient’s functional dependence, and limited support for caregivers in future intervention research aimed at enhancing caregivers’ quality of life.

Keyword

Activities of daily living; Caregivers; Family; Quality of life; Stroke