Original Research Caregiver burden among informal caregivers of stroke survivors in Harare, Zimbabwe

Farayi Kaseke, Lovemore Gwanzura, Timothy Kaseke, Cuthbert Musarurwa, Elizabeth Gori, Tawanda Nyengerai, Aimee Stewart

South African Journal of Physiotherapy | Vol 80, No 1 | a2080 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajp.v80i1.2080 | © 2024 Farayi Kaseke, Lovemore Gwanzura, Timothy Kaseke, Cuthbert Musarurwa, Elizabeth Gori, Tawanda Nyengerai, Aimee Stewart | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 06 May 2024 | Published: 26 November 2024

About the author(s) Farayi Kaseke, Department of Physiotherapy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda; and Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
Lovemore Gwanzura, Department of Laboratory Diagnostic and Investigative Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; and Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
Timothy Kaseke, Department of Christian Counselling, World Bible School University, Joplin, Missouri, United States of America; and Department of Commerce, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
Cuthbert Musarurwa, Department of Laboratory Diagnostic and Investigative Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; and Department of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
Elizabeth Gori, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda; and Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
Tawanda Nyengerai, The Best Health Solutions, Johannesburg, South Africa
Aimee Stewart, Department of Physiotherapy, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Stroke presents significant challenges for both survivors and caregivers, particularly in resource-limited settings like Zimbabwe. Identifying factors contributing to caregiver burden strain (CBS) is crucial to enhance support strategies.

Objectives: This longitudinal study identified caregiver and stroke survivor characteristics associated with CBS among caregivers in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Method: Altogether 188 stroke survivors and their caregivers participated with CBS assessed at 3 months and 12 months using the Caregivers Strain Index. Multiple linear regression was used to evaluate the association of explanatory variables with CBS. Model fit was evaluated using the Akaike’s Information Criterion and R2.

Results: Caregivers experiencing anxiety or depression showed increased CBS at 3 months (β = 2.46, p < 0.001) and 12 months (β = 2.73, p = 0.016). Work adjustments were associated with higher CBS at 3 months (β = 3.84, p < 0.001). Caregivers feeling overwhelmed had significantly higher CBS at 3 months (β = 3.36, p < 0.001). Stroke survivors’ poor physical outcomes and reliance on health insurance were associated with CBS at 12 months (β = 4.34, p = 0.006). Caring for married stroke survivors was associated with reduced CBS (β = –2.83, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Caregiver anxiety, depression, work adjustments and poor physical and social outcomes in stroke survivors contributed to increased CBS. Targeted interventions addressing mental health and social support are essential to reduce CBS.

Clinical implications: Multifaceted interventions that address caregiver mental health and social support are vital to reduce CBS and improve outcomes in resource-constrained settings like Zimbabwe.

Keywords

stroke; caregiver burden strain; longitudinal study; stroke survivor outcomes; anxiety; depression; Zimbabwe

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 3: Good health and well-being

Metrics Total abstract views: 0
Total article views: 0

Crossref Citations

No related citations found.