ABSTRACT
Stroke is a common neurological disorder that is characterized by long term dependency of patient on caregivers which is usually a close relative or a spouse and need rehabilitation at home with consequent disruptions in certain areas of the life of caregivers principal caregiver is directly affected by patient’s health problems that lead to caregiver strain.
The purpose of this study is to identify and understand the psychosocial effects of stroke.
A sample of 125 caregivers who were on the ward and are directly involved in the care of the patient and were able to give their consent participated in the study. Information regarding caregiver appraisal of caregiving situations, difficulties with care provision, and ways of dealing with stressors were obtained through the use of a caregiver assessment questionnaire after the purpose of the study was properly and carefully explained to them.
Data were analysed using descriptive statistics through the use of frequency tables and percentages. Bi-variate analysis was used to check for relationship between data and inferential and differential test was used where applicable using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 21.
The finding of this study reveals that respondents feel the following psychosocial effects such as: loss of privacy and/or personal time and loneliness.
In conclusion, the caregivers should also be considered and properly assisted by the nurses on the ward and the caregiver should be educated properly on how to render their service effectively in order to reduce the psychosocial effect (loneliness, loss of privacy, depression, job loss, financial burden, etc) to a minimum level.
Key words: psychosocial effects, stroke, caregiver.
