title: Predictors of psychological health in spouses of persons affected by stroke.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To identify predictors of psychological health and examine if these predictors change over time in spouses of stroke patients during the first year after stroke. A second aim was to identify gender differences in psychological health among the spouses.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The impact of burden in long-term caregivers may result in psychological consequences for the spouse. The rehabilitation process for the patient can be negatively affected by a stressed caregiver and result in long-term hospitalization. To identify spouses at risk for physical and psychological distress is, therefore, essential to support those in need.
  
  
  METHODS
  Longitudinal, comparative study.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred spouses of stroke patients were assessed at baseline, as well as after six and 12 months, regarding psychological health, well-being, own illness, need of assistance from general practitioner and/or district nurse, social network and knowledge about stroke. Stepwise multiple regression analyses were conducted for baseline, six- and 12-month assessments, respectively, with psychological health as the dependent variable.
  
  
  RESULTS
  General well-being and presence of illness in spouse were the most prominent predictors of psychological health, throughout the first year.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Enhancing psychological health and preventing medical problems in the caregiver are essential considerations to enable patients with stroke-related disabilities to continue to live at home.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Evaluating the situation for spouses of stroke patients is an important component when planning for the future care of the patient.
authors.affiliation: Karolinska Institutet Danderyd Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. asa.franzen-dahlin@ds.se
authors.forename: Asa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Franzén-Dahlin
authors.forename: Jenny
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Larson
authors.forename: Veronica
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Murray
authors.forename: Regina
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wredling
authors.forename: Ewa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Billing
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D012737:Sex Factors; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology*; D020521:Stroke; D013548:Sweden