Relationship between caregiver strain and functional independence of people living with stroke in a rural setting in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

Abstract

Background High levels of caregiver strain (CS) can impair the quality of life of caregivers as well as the individuals being cared for. This can limit the sustainability of long-term care. Low functional independence (FI) of persons with stroke (PwS) has commonly been associated with CS. Little is known about CS and FI of PwS in rural settings in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Factors associated with living in rural settings may uniquely influence FI and CS. Aim To investigate the level of, and relationship between, CS and FI of PwS living in a rural setting in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Method In a quantitative, cross-sectional study, data was collected from 60 informal caregivers, in a rural setting in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Participants were selected through random sampling and data pertaining to demographic factors, CS (Caregiver Strain Index (CSI)), and functional independence of PwS (Barthel Index (BI)) was collected. Correlation testing was performed between the BI scores and CSI scores. Results Caregiver strain was high. The mean CSI score was 8.17 (SD=±3.26) and 68% (n=41) of caregivers reported strain (CSI score≥ 7). The BI scores were higher in the current study when compared to other rural studies in South African and internationally. The mean BI score was 68 (SD=±23.73). A statistically significant, inverse relationship, of moderate strength was found between the scores of the CSI and the BI (ρ= -0.561 (p=0.001)). Conclusion Informal caregivers of PwS in a rural, Eastern Cape setting, experienced high CS. The level of FI of PwS was higher in the current study when compared with other similar studies. There was a significant inverse relationship between the FI of PwS and the CS experienced. Higher caregiver strain was experienced with lower FI of PwS.