Quality of Life in Primary Caregivers for the Home-Bound Severe Stroke Patients.

, Choi, Keu Chol; , Rah, Ueon Woo; , Yoon, Seung Hyun; , Yim, Shin Young; , Lee, Il Yung; , Moon, Do Jun; , Lee, Yu Ryun; , Shin, Sun Bok; , Im, In Dong

Original Article

Journal of the Korean Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine 2005;29(6):568-577.

Choi, Keu Chol , Rah, Ueon Woo , Yoon, Seung Hyun , Yim, Shin Young , Lee, Il Yung , Moon, Do Jun , Lee, Yu Ryun , Shin, Sun Bok , Im, In Dong

¹Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ajou University School of Medicine, Korea. uwrah@hanmail.net
²Public Health Center of Uiwang City, Korea.

재가 중증 뇌졸중 환자를 돌보는 주 보호자의 삶의 질

최규철, 나은우, 윤승현, 임신영, 이일영, 문도준, 이우련, 신순복¹, 임인동¹

아주대학교 의과대학 재활의학교실, ¹의왕시 보건소

Abstract

Objective
To evaluate the level of depression, anxiety and quality of life in primary caregivers for the severe stroke patients.
Method
We studied a sample of 44 severe stroke patients and their primary caregivers. Functional status of the severe stroke patients was evaluated by Modified Barthel Index (MBI). We collected the data through interviewing the caregivers and using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State- Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Ego-strength scale, Short Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36) and Family APGAR (Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection and Resolve) score.
Results
The average level of depression in caregivers was low. The mean socres of STAI were 41.5 for state anxiety and 44.3 for trait anxiety, respectively. Ego-strength scale was significantly inversely related to BDI score and trait anxiety inventory score, but positively related to SF-36 score. The most influencing factor for the SF-36 score was the BDI score.
Conclusion
Primary caregivers for the home-bound severe stroke patients demonstrated a lower level of quality of life, especially mental health, general health and vitality component. Community based rehabilitation should more focus on the evaluation and support for caregiver's psychologic status and their quality of life. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2005; 29: 568-577)

Key Words: Stroke, Caregivers, Depression, Anxiety, Quality of life