Physical and psychosocial stressors among caregivers of patients with cerebrovascular stroke

ABSTRACT

The present study was conducted to assess physical and psychosocial stressors among family caregivers of patients with cerebrovascular stroke . The study was carried out at the Outpatient of Neurophychiatric Clinic in Ain Shams University Hospitals . The sample included 100 caregivers of patients with cerebrovascular stroke . Tools used for data collection were 1] Questionnaire dealing with socio-demographic characteristics, general health condition of caregivers and, physical, economical psychological and social stressors. 2] Beck Depression Inventory Scale, 3] Social Dysfunction Rating Scale. Results revealed that 52% of caregivers females for 52% their age was >40. The most common physical stressor was 63% [general body joint pain and hand pain], economical stressors was [89% cost of medication and hospitalization] psychological stressors was [56% sadness about patient] and social stressors was [28% negligence of domestic work] . There were statistically significant differences in relation to age, sex, and availability of caregivers related stressors . The study'recommended in increasing awareness of family caregivers about community resources and how to gain access to them, this might be done through audiovisual media. [Improving social care services, to contribute as social support to caregivers.] Computer networks and hotline services should be available to immediately solve problems and link caregivers, doctors and local support organizations to each others