Caregiving Burden, Emotions and Perceptions in Family Caregivers Following Stroke: A Mixed Methods Study

Background It is crucial to identify the physical, social, economic, and psychological challenges caregivers face and understand their needs when caring for stroke patients. Aim The present study examined the care burden, feelings, and perceptions of family members who cared for stroke patients. Methods The population of the study consisted of family members who cared for stroke patients hospitalized in a hospital in eastern Turkey. The sample consisted of 128 caregivers in the quantitative part of the study and 21 family caregivers in the qualitative part. The “Descriptive Characteristics Form”, “Caregiving Burden Scale” and “Semi-Structured Interview Form” were used as the data collection tools. Results It was found in the study that the average care burden score of the family caregivers who participated in the quantitative part of the study was 61.32 ± 13.57, and the average care burden score of those who participated in the qualitative part was 62.47 ± 16.36. As a result of the data analysis, the qualitative part of the study resulted in 2 themes, 5 sub-themes, and 25 codes. Conclusion It was concluded that the care burden of the family members who cared for stroke patients was at the level of heavy care burden.