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CAREGIVING BURDEN AMONG INFORMAL CAREGIVERS OF STROKE SURVIVORS IN SINGAPORE
Abstract
Background and Aims
Informal stroke caregiving has been shown to place caregivers at a risk of high caregiver strain, however, there is a paucity of such data in Singaporean stroke caregivers. This study aimed to investigate the level of strain, competence and satisfaction of informal stroke caregivers in Singapore.
Methods
A series of questionnaires were conducted online between July 2020 to February 2021. 56 informal stroke caregivers (mean age(SD) 52.3(14.2) years, 37 males) were recruited and completed the study. Measures of strain, competence, and burden were assessed by three instruments: Caregiver Strain Index (CSI), Sense of Competence Questionnaire (SCQ) and Caregiver Reaction Assessment (CRA).
Results
Less than half the stroke caregivers were children (48.2%, n=27) and spouses (32.1%, n=18) of the stroke survivors. Most stroke caregivers were sole (80.4%, n=45), first-time caregivers (89.3%, n=50) and had never received caregiving training (69.9%, n=39). Stroke caregivers reported a mean of 7.6 hours/day and 6.1 days/week over 35.9±16.9 months undertaking caregiving duties. Caregiving satisfaction was high with a mean score of 82.9±16.7 on the SCQ despite high caregiving stress (i.e.>7) with a mean score of 8.2±3.7 on the CSI. Caregiving competence was positively correlated with satisfaction in caregivers (p<0.01, r2=0.64).
Conclusions
This study evidenced that informal stroke caregiving required extensive amounts of time, had a high level of strain, and resulted in high satisfaction. There is a need to improve training and support for informal stroke caregivers in Singapore. Improving caregiving competence of informal stroke caregivers may increase their satisfaction or negate negative aspects of caregiving.