ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Stroke is one of the most common causes of disability. Stroke survivors may have a wide variety of sensorimotor, cognitive, perceptual, and behavioral dysfunctions. The majority of long-term care for stroke survivors in residential settings is provided by informal caregivers, such as family members. This study was conducted to assess the burden of caregiving on caregivers of stroke survivors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted by the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in a tertiary care institute in Western India. Patients were evaluated for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Caregiver strain among caregivers was assessed using the Modified Caregiver Strain Index Questionnaire (MCSI). The Katz index was used to assess activities of daily living. RESULTS: The inclusion and exclusion criteria were fulfilled by 125 primary caregivers of stroke patients. Among stroke survivors, the majority were male (57.6%), and caregivers were wives of stroke survivors (28.8%). There was a significant statistical difference in the median of the modified caregiver strain index when the stroke survivor was male (p=0.034), fully dependent (p<0.001), and had a hemorrhagic stroke (p<0.001). There was no significant statistical difference in the median of the MCSI based on the sex of caregivers (p=0.928). There was a positive correlation between the age of the patient and MCSI (r=0.373, p<0.001). No correlation was found between the MCSI and age of caregivers (r=-0.108, p=0.230) and duration of stroke (r=-0.089, p=0.321). CONCLUSION: The findings in our study provide evidence that caregivers of stroke survivors experience significant levels of strain. It is desirable to recognize caregiver strain during the rehabilitation of stroke survivors and manage it appropriately.
ABSTRACT
This study assesses the various socio-demographic correlates, the method adopted and the psychiatric disorders in patients with attempted suicide.Out of 208 cases presented to the hospital, one hundred individuals with suicide attempt were included in the present study. They were evaluated for socio-demographic profile and psychiatric illness on the basis of ICD-10 criteria.Analysis of the results showed that single males outnumbered single females, whereas married females outnumbered married males in suicidal attempt. The prevalence of suicidal attempt was high among males with psychiatric illness, whereas more female suicide attempters were without psychiatric illness. The most common psychiatric illnesses were found to be mood disorders (35%) and adjustment disorders (13%) as per the ICD-10 criteria. Family type, economic status and education levels appears to be playing non significant role in suicide attempt in this part of the country Marital status and psychiatric illnesses are playing important role in suicide attempt. Other demographic variables, though, were statistically non significant, but, below 30 years of age group, low socio-economic status, low education and nuclear families were found to be more vulnerable factors for suicide.
