What are male caregivers talking about?
OBJECTIVE
Using secondary analysis and Friedemann's framework of systemic organization as a guide, the purpose of this article is to examine the experience of a subsample of five men caring for women with stroke who participated for 3 months in a Web-based support group.


METHODS
Analysis of qualitative data (N = 224 entries) obtained from interview questions and discussion amongst the caregivers followed established protocols.


RESULTS
Results revealed that these men were dealing with role changes and women's depression and irritability. The stroke event also fostered closer family ties and "being there" for one another.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings begin to explore the complex experience of men caring for women with stroke.
Pierce
Linda L
LL
Medical College of Ohio, Toledo, Ohio, USA.
Steiner
Victoria
V
D000368:Aged; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003142:Communication; D003863:Depression; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012737:Sex Factors; D018454:Spouses; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation