Factors affecting caregiver burden in older stroke survivors, a Malaysian study

Background: Older stroke survivors may suffer from a wide range of disabilities. Delivering care in community impose different sets of challenges. Caregiving role may affect caregiver’s physical and mental health. This study aimed to determine the caregiver burden of stroke survivors in urban Malaysia, an emerging economy. Methods: Caregivers of stroke patients aged 60 years and above were recruited. Socio-demographic information, stroke care details, Modified Ranking Scale and Barthel Index data were collected followed by Short Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE), Modified Caregiver Strain Index and Zarit Burden Interview questionnaires. Results: A total of 104 stroke caregiver-survivor pairs were recruited. The mean age of the caregiver was 50.2 (SD=14.3) years with 72.1% were children of stroke survivors. The mean age of the stroke patients was 72.9 (SD=7.7) . 53.8% of caregivers experienced burden, however majority reported mild to moderate burden. The predictors of overall burden include caregiver’s higher education level (P=0.027, R2=0.506), caregiver having hypertension (P=0.02, R2=0.506), patient having hypertension (P<0.001, R2=0.506) and patient’s worse cognitive decline (P<0.001, R2=0.506). Other important factors include incontinence, higher dependency status and longer duration of care per day. Conclusion: This study performed in Malaysia described the stroke care burden as mild to moderate, probably reflecting the underlying Eastern culture value with emphasis on family and filial piety.