Abstract
Objective:to analyze the effectiveness of a support intervention on the burden and stress of family caregivers and on the stroke survivors’ independence level, compared to the Control Group.Method:a quasi-experimental study conducted with 37 participants (Intervention Group, n=20; and Control Group, n=17). The intervention lasted 8 months. The outcomes of the caregivers (burden and stress) and of the survivors (independence level) were measured by the Zarit, Perceived Stress and Katz scales, at the following moments: pre-intervention, the fourth month of the intervention and post-intervention. The differences of these outcomes between groups and intra-group and the effect size were calculated using the Mann-Whitney and Friedman tests (Bonferroni adjustment by Wilcoxon) and the Kendall’s W coefficient.Results:the Intervention Group reduced burden (p=0.039) and stress (p=0.009), mainly, after 8 months of intervention, which was not observed in the Control Group. The independence level did not change between the groups or moments (p>0.05). The intervention presented moderate effect size (p=0.45 and p=0.54).Conclusion:the intervention was effective to reduce the burden and stress of family caregivers, but did not alter the stroke survivors’ independence level, when compared to the Control Group.
Highlights
Stroke is one of the main causes of chronic cognitive and functional impairments in adults and aged individuals worldwide
A prospective and quasi-experimental study, based on the Transparent Reporting of Evaluations with Nonrandomized Designs (TREND) statement, which represents a supplement to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement[9]
The results are presented according to the TREND statement
Summary
Stroke is one of the main causes of chronic cognitive and functional impairments in adults and aged individuals worldwide. In the absence of a source of social support, especially health services and health, this burden can increase and jeopardize both the health of the caregiver and the quality of care provided to the patient. This can result in the emergence or worsening of stress in the caregiver and in the difficulty recovering the autonomy of the stroke survivors to carry out the everyday basic activities[2]. These negative consequences for the caregiverstroke survivor dyad show the need for reducing such burden. The literature recommends enabling to these caregivers multicomponent interventions that emphasize care for their own health, while providing continuous training for the care of the stroke survivor[3]
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