[Caregiver burden and subjective health level in primary caregivers of stroke patients].

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to provide information on the burden and subjective health level experienced by caregivers of stroke patients. We assessed 32 patient/caregiver units attending a day care center, and investigated the characteristics and burden of caregivers. Subjective health level of caregivers was assessed using the Todai Health Index (THI). The functional level of patients was measured according to the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Of the caregivers, 40.6% expressed a perception of being burdened. The burden of caregivers was associated with economic status, concern for future ability to provide care, and functional levels (ability of toileting, transfer, locomotion) of patients. Mean scale scores of THI did not differ significantly from scores for community women, and was not related to the perception of burden of caregivers. The situation of care for the subjects in this study can be considered to be relatively good. However, for the general caregiver of stroke patients, perception of burden and subjective health level may be affected to a greater extent than seen in this study.