Influence of Sense of Coherence on Caregiver Burden and Depressive Symptoms at 12 Months Poststroke

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of sense of coherence for informal stroke caregivers with sociodemographic variables and caregiving outcomes of depressive symptoms and burden. Method: Using path analysis, data 1 month after the stroke (stroke survivor and caregiver characteristics) from 87 dyads (stroke survivors and their caregivers) were used to predict caregiver outcomes of burden and depressive symptoms at 12 months poststroke. Results: Sense of coherence, although not predicted by sociodemographic variables, had a significant inverse relationship with caregiver burden and depressive symptoms, indicating that caregivers with a higher sense of coherence at 1 month experience less burden and depressive symptoms at 12 months. Caregiver burden was also predicted by stroke survivor comorbidities, caregiver gender, and time spent per day providing care. Caregiver depressive symptoms were predicted by race, gender, and hours spent providing care per day. Conclusion: Caregivers who have high sense of coherence experience less burden and depressive symptoms at 12 months poststroke. Suggestions for improving caregiver sense of coherence are discussed.