The Burden and Quality of Life in Caregivers of Individuals With Stroke During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Turkey: A Cross-Sectional Study


AKYÜREK G., Bilgin N., Calıs H. T.

Occupational Therapy in Health Care, 2024 (ESCI) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Publication Date: 2024
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/07380577.2024.2324286
  • Journal Name: Occupational Therapy in Health Care
  • Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Psycinfo, SportDiscus
  • Keywords: Caregiving burden, COVID-19, life satisfaction, quality of life, stroke
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study investigated the caregiving burden, quality of life and life satisfaction of caregivers of individuals with stroke during the pandemic period. A descriptive a study was performed with a sample of caregivers (n = 80) of inpatient individuals with stroke in Kayseri, Turkey. The Bakas Caregiving Outcomes Scale, Short Form Health Survey-36, and Temporal Satisfaction with Life Scale were used as well as some open-ended questions. Using descriptive analysis and correlations, results showed that caregiving burden of the participants was correlated to quality of life and life satisfaction during the COVID-19 (p < 0.05). Specific types of burden include: stress, isolation, financial issues, disruption of therapy, patient-caregiver relationship, and kinship relations. These findings provide important information about the increased burden of caregivers during the pandemic. This study offers information to design a framework of interventions to reduce the physical, social, and psychological effects on caregivers in similar conditions.