Abstract WP239: Caregiver Burden Among Informal Caregivers of Stroke Survivors

Background and Purpose: Caregiver burden is commonly encountered in chronic disease management. Caregiver burden among informal caregivers of stroke survivors has potential to impact patient outcomes. We sought to assess the degree of caregiver burden and related factors among informal caregivers of patients followed in our Stroke Transitions Education and Prevention (STEP) clinic. Methods: We surveyed informal caregivers accompanying stroke patients to our STEP clinic visits within 2 years of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke occurrence. Assessments included a caregiver demographic questionnaire, Zarit caregiver burden scale, patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9, depression), Barthel index (BI -stroke survivor). Zarit score was dichotomized as no/minimal burden vs mild/moderate/severe burden. Univariate and multivariate analysis were conducted using logistic regression. Results: Among 71 surveys obtained, 69% of informal caregivers were women, despite a similar gender distribution of stroke survivors (54% women). While 49% of caregivers reported some degree of caregiver burden, 34% were classified as moderate-severe or severe. Caregiver burden was strongly associated with stroke survivor physical disability; odds of moderate or worse caregiver burden was 4.5 times higher (95% CI 1.52, 16.1) with BI < 75 compared to = 75. Additionally, odds of moderate-severe depression, as defined by PHQ-9 > 9, were 10 times higher (95% CI 2.06, 48.9). Conclusions: High levels of caregiver burden exist among informal caregivers of stroke survivors, and burden is associated with stroke survivor physical disability. Caregiver burden was associated with significantly greater odds of depression. Findings suggest the need for studies focused on characterization of informal caregiver needs and interventions to address the challenges they face.