The study on the Caregiver Burden of Patients with Stroke

Abstract

Background: Stroke is an acute cerebrovascular event caused by vascular pathology, resulting in partial or complete loss of brain function for more than 24 hours. Globally, caregiver burden during stroke ranges from 25% to 54%. In Mongolia, stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality. Caregivers often lack sufÏcient social support, and under the government’s revised 2024 policy, the social care allowance for caregiving is 302,500 MNT per month, which is limited. Consequently, caregivers experience a high level of burden, which has become a pressing health and social issue. This forms the basis of the present study. Aim: To assess the burden experienced by caregivers of patients with stroke. Materials and Methods: A descriptive study design was conducted at the First Central Hospital (FCH), Third Central Hospital (TCH), and the Rehabilitation Clinic from January to April 2024. Caregivers of 138 inpatients in post-stroke wards were selected using a purposive sampling method. Sample size was calculated using Power 3G analysis. Results: A total of 138 caregivers were participated. The mean age was 50.9±14.3 years. Regarding gender, 39 (28.3%) were male and 99 (71.7%) were female. Caregiver burden, assessed using the Zarit Burden Interview, showed that most caregivers, 86 (62.3%), experienced a high level of burden, with a mean score of 43.05±10.39, indicating very high burden. Most caregivers, 90 (65.2%), had been providing care for 6–12 months, and 50 (36.2%) reported providing care 21–24 hours per day. Conclusion: Attention should be given to caregivers, and social policies and programs targeting caregivers should be further implemented to reduce their burden.