Caring for stroke survivors: baseline and 1-year determinants of caregiver burden.

BACKGROUND: Caregiver burden following stroke can have significant adverse health consequences for caregivers and threatens the recovery and successful rehabilitation of patients. Our objective was to identify patient factors that contribute to higher levels of caregiver burden. METHODS: We prospectively studied patients admitted to our stroke unit over a 2-year period (2001-2002). Data were collected at baseline and at 1 year. Caregiver burden was measured at 1 year using the Relatives Stress Scale (completed by 155 caregivers) and the Bakas Caregiver Outcomes Scale (143 caregivers). Explanatory patient factors at baseline included sociodemographic status, stroke severity, stroke sub-type, functional disability (Barthel Index), functional handicap (Oxford Handicap Scale and Modified Rankin Scale), and cognitive status (orientation, clock drawing). At 1 year, mental health and health-related quality of life were assessed using the Fatigue Impact Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale, Global Deterioration Scale, and 36-item Short Form Health Survey. RESULTS: The baseline patient factors predictive of caregiver burden by multiple regression analysis were older patient age (P<0.01), male gender (P<0.05), ischemic stroke (P<0.05), urinary incontinence (P<0.0001), and impaired clock drawing (P<0.05). At 1 year, significant correlates of caregiver burden were older patient age (P<0.05), male gender (P<0.01), poor mental health (P<0.05), functional handicap (P<0.05), and functional disability (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The functional status of patients can be used to identify caregivers at risk of caregiver burden. Patient demographic variables, cognitive function, and mental health status may further expose vulnerable caregivers. These factors should be considered in the development of strategies to offset caregiver burden.

External validation of a six simple variable model of stroke outcome and verification in hyper-acute stroke.

We aimed to validate a previously described six simple variable (SSV) model that was developed from acute and sub-acute stroke patients in our population that included hyper-acute stroke patients. A Stroke Outcome Study enrolled patients from 2001 to 2002. Functional status was assessed at 6 months using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). SSV model performance was tested in our cohort. 538 acute ischaemic (87%) and haemorrhagic stroke patients were enrolled, 51% of whom presented to hospital within 6 h of symptom recognition. At 6 months post-stroke, 42% of patients had a good outcome (mRS < or = 2). Stroke patients presenting within 6 h of symptom recognition were significantly older with higher stroke severity. In our Stroke Outcome Study dataset, the SSV model had an area under the curve of 0.792 for 6 month outcomes and performed well for hyper-acute or post-acute stroke, age < or > or = 75 years, haemorrhagic or ischaemic stroke, men or women, moderate and severe stroke, but poorly for mild stroke. This study confirms the external validity of the SSV model in our hospital stroke population. This model can therefore be utilised for stratification in acute and hyper-acute stroke trials.