Quality of Life in Primary Caregivers for the Home-Bound Severe Stroke Patients

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the level of depression, anxiety and quality of life in primary caregivers for the severe stroke patients. METHOD: We studied a sample of 44 severe stroke patients and their primary caregivers. Functional status of the severe stroke patients was evaluated by Modified Barthel Index (MBI). We collected the data through interviewing the caregivers and using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State- Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Ego-strength scale, Short Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36) and Family APGAR (Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection and Resolve) score. RESULTS: The average level of depression in caregivers was low. The mean socres of STAI were 41.5 for state anxiety and 44.3 for trait anxiety, respectively. Ego-strength scale was significantly inversely related to BDI score and trait anxiety inventory score, but positively related to SF-36 score. The most influencing factor for the SF-36 score was the BDI score. CONCLUSION: Primary caregivers for the home-bound severe stroke patients demonstrated a lower level of quality of life, especially mental health, general health and vitality component. Community based rehabilitation should more focus on the evaluation and support for caregiver's psychologic status and their quality of life.

Quality of Life and Life Satisfaction of the Registered Disabled Persons in Uiwang City

OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study were to investigate the factors influencing life satisfaction and quality of life (QOL) of the disabled persons and to help the planning and evaluation of Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR). METHOD: Data were collected through personal interviews of 503 registrated disabled persons in Uiwang City. Demographic variables and scores of modified Barthel index (MBI), modified Lambeth disability screening questionnaire (MLDSQ), Craig handicap assessment and reporting technique (CHART) and life domain satisfaction measure (LDSM) were obtained. RESULTS: The score of LDSM was 4.0+/-1.0. Life satisfaction was related to the age, sex, employment status, severity of disability, educational level, housing and residence, level of instrumental activities of daily living and social integration. MLDSQ score was the most strong predictor of life satisfaction (p=0.00) followed by social integration (p=0.001) and total CHART scores (p=0.017). And the factors influencing the handicap were monthly income, severity of disability, employment, level of education and age. CONCLUSION: Based on our study, we suggest that the CBR program of Uiwang City need to focus on improving functional ability and social skill of disabled individual and housing, and also promoting their vocational and educational status.