Determinants of caregiver burden of patients with haemorrhagic stroke in China.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the caregiver burden over time of patients with haemorrhagic stroke and the determinants of this.

BACKGROUND: Identification of the predictors for caregiver burden can be used to improve the outcomes of stroke survivors and caregivers. Few studies focus on the caregiver burden of patients with haemorrhagic stroke and how this changes over time.

DESIGN: This was a prospective longitudinal study.

METHODS: A convenience sample of 202 stroke survivor/caregiver pairs were recruited in the neurosurgery unit from March 2015 to March 2016. The participants were assessed at three different times by face to face or telephone interview. Caregiver burden was assessed using the Bakas Caregiver Outcomes Scale. Sociodemographic data and other characteristics of the pairs were also collected. Multiple linear regression was performed to identify the determinants.

RESULTS: Caregiver burden decreased from T1 to T3 significantly. The physical function, depression of stroke survivors, and self-rated burden of caregivers were the most important determinants for overall caregiver burden. The factors identified explained 41.6% to 67.4% of overall burden.

CONCLUSION: Caregiver burden decreased over time, affected by factors from patients and caregivers. More professional caregivers are needed to support informal carers.