Long-term outcome in children of patients after stroke.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the long-term effects on children of parental stroke, with respect to care-giving tasks, children's behavioural problems and stress, and to study the relationship between stress and child, patient and partner characteristics.


METHODS
A total of 44 children (age range 10-21 years) were assessed 3 years after parental stroke.


METHODS
Behavioural problems were assessed with the Child Behaviour Check List and the Youth Self-Report. Stress was measured using the Dutch Stress Questionnaire for Children.


RESULTS
Most children (66%) assisted their parent in self-care or mobility. Some of the children (31%) experienced behavioural problems. The results showed that 37.5% of younger children show externalizing problems on the Child Behaviour Check List. Stress was significantly related to female gender of the child, and to depression, limitations in extended activities of daily living and life satisfaction of the patient.


CONCLUSIONS
Most children do well 3 years after parental stroke. However, some children of patients after stroke have behavioural problems and need attention in clinical practice.
van de Port
Ingrid G L
IG
Centre of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine Utrecht, Rehabilitation Centre De Hoogstraat, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Visser-Meily
Anne M A
AM
Post
Marcel W M
MW
Lindeman
Eline
E
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D000328:Adult; D032721:Adult Children; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D002654:Child Care; D016241:Child of Impaired Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D011379:Prognosis; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications; D020521:Stroke / Q000523:psychology*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors