Publication: A PREDICTIVE STUDY OF SOCIAL CONNECTION AND SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS TOWARDS BURDEN OF STROKE CAREGIVERS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Date
2024
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
IMU University
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Informal caregivers are friends or relative who offer to care for stroke patients after discharge. The care deliveries typically occur without formal training or compensation. The COVID-19 pandemic may increase the level of responsibility of caregivers, resulting in potential negative effects on their overall well-being.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 94 unpaid informal caregivers of stroke survivors completed an online survey. The stroke caregivers’ burden was measured using the Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI). Social connection such as social isolation, loneliness and perceived social support was measured using the Lubben Social Network Scale-6 items, UCLA-3 items and Duke Social Support Index (DSSI-11 item), respectively. Sociodemographic data were also collected and analysed.
RESULTS: Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that social support (β = -0.34, t = -3.46, p < .001) and loneliness (β = 0.33, t = 3.35, p = .001) significantly predicted the stroke caregivers’ burden. Social support had the major predictive effect, explaining 12% of the variance in caregivers’ burden (R2 = 0.12). Loneliness explained 11% (R2 = 0.11) and 8% (R2 = 0.08) of the variance in developmental and physical burdens, respectively. Social isolation was excluded and not a significant predictor of caregivers’ burden. Caregivers with tertiary education reported significantly higher burden (β = 0.28, t = 2.81, p = .006) than caregivers with secondary education. Education was also a significant predictor of developmental burden (β = 0.25, t = 2.47, p = .016), physical burden (β = 0.29, t = 2.89, p = .005), and emotional burden (β = 0.22, t = 2.12, p = .037).
CONCLUSION: The burden experienced by stroke caregivers is linked to their social support, loneliness and educational levels. These findings provide further insight on the role of social support during COVID-19 and its contribution towards caregiver’ burden in an unprecedented time. Interventions that aim to enhance social support for caregivers could help to mitigate this issue and improve their overall well-being.
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Keywords
Stroke, Caregivers, COVID-19, Cross-Sectional Studies, Social Support, Loneliness