FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF STROKE SURVIVORS: BURDEN AND RELATED FACTORS

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the burden of family caregivers of stroke survivors and related factors. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional and correlational study, carried out with a non-probabilistic sample, selected by convenience, of family caregivers of stroke survivors, who were assisted in 17 primary health care units of the urban area or in the only public hospital unit of a town in the State of Bahia, between January 2014 to August 2017. Data were collected between September 2017 and March 2018 at the caregivers’ homes, using a sociodemographic form and the Katz, Zarit Burden Interview and Perceived Stress scales, which were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Results: The 44 family caregivers presented mild to moderate burden, which was significantly related to the caregiver’s stress level and the degree of dependence of the stroke survivor. Conclusion: This data highlights the need for greater formal social support for stroke survivors and their family caregivers, through health actions that favor the independence of those with stroke sequelae and include the caregiver in the rehabilitation plan, especially in the emotional dimension, in order to reduce the caregiver’s burden, thus improving the well-being of these individuals.