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Quality of life and its correlates in caregivers of stroke survivors from a Nigerian population

Abstract

Purpose  

The study aimed at determining the quality of life (QOL) of caregivers of stroke survivors in a Nigeria population and some
patient and caregiver-related variables that may be associated with it.

Method  

A survey of the QOL of volunteering informal caregivers of stroke survivors in purposively selected tertiary health centres
from South-Eastern Nigeria was done using the SF-12 questionnaire.

Result  

Caregivers rated their QOL fairly well. Older age, female gender and closeness in relationship to survivor were caregivers’
variables that were significantly related to poorer QOL scores. Being a woman close relative is associated with lower mental
health scores while being an older close relative contributed to lower physical health score (P < 0.05). Caregivers’ scores on the physical and mental health domains correlated moderately with each other (r = 0.52) and highly with their overall QOL scores (r = 0.81 and 0.88).

Conclusion  

Caring for stroke survivors in Nigeria seems to have adverse effects on the QOL of closer relatives who are either women or
older. There is a need for clinicians to help those caregivers at risk find ways of improving and optimizing their QOL.

  • Content Type Journal Article
  • Pages 1-6
  • DOI 10.1007/s11136-011-9876-9
  • Authors
    • Christopher O. Akosile, Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nnewi, Anambra State Nigeria
    • Emmanuel C. Okoye, Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nnewi, Anambra State Nigeria
    • M. Joseph Nwankwo, Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nnewi, Anambra State Nigeria
    • Claudius O. Akosile, National Youth Service Corps (State Headquarters), Akure, Ondo State Nigeria
    • Chidozie E. Mbada, Department of Medical Rehabilitation, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State Nigeria