Investigation of caregiver burden, quality of life, and occupational performance of primary caregivers of individuals having experienced a stroke with and without aphasia

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ABSTRACT Background Individuals having experienced a stroke need the help of an individual to perform their activities of daily living. Therefore, the disease affects not only patients but also their caregivers. Objectives This study aimed to investigate how aphasia affects caregivers’ burden of care, quality of life, and occupational performance. Methods This cross-sectional study involved Group 1, (n=51) the caregivers of individuals having experienced a stroke with aphasia, and Group 2 (n = 51), the caregivers of individuals having experienced a stroke without aphasia. The caregivers were evaluated using the sociodemographic information form, the Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale, the SF-36 Short Form, and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure tests. Results Our study found that the caregiver burden in Group 1 was higher than in Group 2 (t = 3.8, p = 0.01). Caregivers in Group 1 also had higher pain levels (t = –2.21, p = 0.029) and lower social functions than those in Group 2 (t = –2.54, p = 0.013). There was no statistically significant difference between the other sub-parameters of quality of life (p > 0.05). It was observed that the occupational performance (t = –3.31, p = 0.001) and satisfaction levels (t = –3.57, p = 0.001) of the caregivers in Group 1 were lower than those of the caregivers in Group 2. Conclusions Occupational therapy evaluation and intervention programs for caregivers should consider the occupational performance of caregivers of individuals with aphasia and include approaches to problem areas.