Article

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to identify the factors
associated with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of family caregivers of
Chinese stroke patients. One hundred and twenty-three stroke patients
consecutively admitted to a stroke clinic and their 123 family caregivers were
recruited. The caregivers' HRQOLs were assessed with the Short Form 36 (SF-36).
Two subscores of the SF-36, the Physical Component Summary and the Mental
Component Summary Scores served as the dependent variables. Independent variables
comprised patients and caregivers' demographic data and physical and
psychological conditions in relation to caregivers' HRQOL. The severity of
coexisting illnesses of both the patients and their caregivers was assessed using
the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was
administered to rate both the patients and their caregivers' depressive symptoms.
The extent of the patients' functional disability was assessed using the Barthel
Index and the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. Global cognition of the
patients was measured using the Mini Mental State Examination. The level of
social support and recent life events of the caregivers were rated using Lubben
Social Network Scale and the Modified Life Event Scale, respectively. The
multiple linear regression revealed caregivers' Cumulative Illness Rating Scale
and GDS score were associated with Physical Component Summary Score of SF-36. The
patients and caregivers' GDS score were associated with Mental Component Summary
Score of SF-36. Severity of depressive symptoms in Chinese stroke patients and
their caregivers is an important factor associated with the caregivers' HRQOL.
Further studies evaluating interventions on caregivers' HRQOL should include the
assessment and management of mood disorders.

Langue : ANGLAIS