The Relationship Between Demographic Variables and Caregiver Burden among Caregivers of Stroke Patients Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital, South India

The study was aimed to assess the relationship between demographic variables and caregiver burden among caregivers of stroke patients.

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 84 care givers of stroke patients as per inclusion criteria. Study subjects were recruited by convenience sampling. Socio demographic and clinical data of stroke patients and their caregivers ’demographic variables were collected through the records and by face to face interview. Severity of the disability of stroke patients was assessed by Barthel Index and Modified Rankin Scale. Caregiver burden scale was used to assess the burden of the caregiver.

There was a significant relationship between caregiver burden score and caregivers ’gender, employment status, marital status and relationship with the patient. Female gender, unemployment, spouses of the caregivers, and caregivers who were married was found to have increased burden of care.