Abstract Details

Title Caregiver Burden Among Informal Caregivers of Stroke Survivors

Topic Cerebrovascular Disease and Interventional Neurology

Presentation(s) S35 - Stroke Prevention Strategies (2:28 PM-2:39 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 009

Objective

We sought to assess the degree of caregiver burden and related factors among informal caregivers of patients followed in our Stroke Transitions ��ɫ�� and Prevention (STEP) clinic.

Background

Caregiver burden is commonly encountered in chronic disease management. Caregiver burden among informal caregivers of stroke survivors has potential to impact patient outcomes.

Design/Methods We surveyed informal caregivers accompanying stroke patients to our STEP clinic visits within 2 years of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke occurrence. Assessments included a caregiver demographic questionnaire, Zarit caregiver burden scale, patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9, depression), Barthel index (BI -stroke survivor). Zarit score was dichotomized as no/minimal burden vs mild/moderate/severe burden. Univariate and multivariate analysis were conducted using logistic regression.

Results Among 95 surveys obtained, 68% of informal caregivers were women, despite a similar gender distribution of stroke survivors (56% women). While 83% of caregivers reported some degree of caregiver burden, 34% were classified as moderate-severe or severe. Caregiver burden was strongly associated with stroke survivor physical disability; odds of moderate or worse caregiver burden was 4.5 times higher (95% CI 1.71, 16.1) with BI < 95 compared to ≥ 95. Additionally, odds of moderate-severe depression, as defined by PHQ-9 > 9, were 2.9 times higher (95% CI 0.63, 13.4).

Conclusions High levels of caregiver burden exist among informal caregivers of stroke survivors, and burden is associated with stroke survivor physical disability. Caregiver burden was associated with significantly greater odds of depression. Findings suggest the need for studies focused on characterization of informal caregiver needs and interventions to address the challenges they face.

Authors/Disclosures
Saviour Achilike, MD, MPH (Kaiser Permanente - Modesto Medical Center) PRESENTER	No disclosure on file
	No disclosure on file
Munachi N. Okpala, NP (McGovern Medical School-Division of Adult Neurology, Stroke Team)	Ms. Okpala has nothing to disclose.
	No disclosure on file
	No disclosure on file
	No disclosure on file
	No disclosure on file
Sean I. Savitz, MD	Dr. Savitz has nothing to disclose.

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