title: Spousal caregiver confidence and recovery from ambulatory activity limitations in stroke survivors.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study examined whether spousal confidence in care-recipient recovery can predict recovery from activity limitations following stroke and how spousal confidence relates to stroke survivor self-efficacy for recovery.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective design was used. Measures were gathered from stroke survivor/spouse dyads at two time points, both postdischarge from the hospital following stroke (N=109).
  
  
  METHODS
  The dependent variable was recovery from ambulatory activity limitations over 6 weeks, as measured by the Functional Limitations Profile. A single spousal confidence item was tailored to an ambulatory behavior that the stroke survivors could not perform at Time 1.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Spousal confidence was correlated with ambulation recovery (r=-0.23, p<.05) and stroke survivor self-efficacy for recovery (r=.25, p<.05). Higher spousal confidence was associated with a better recovery and greater stroke survivor self-efficacy for recovery, but not with initial health status or practical support received.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The relationship between caregiver confidence, care-recipient self-efficacy for recovery, and recovery outcomes needs further elucidation.
authors: Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK. g.molloy@ucl.ac.uk
authors: Gerard J
authors: GJ
authors: Molloy
authors: Marie
authors: M
authors: Johnston
authors: Derek W
authors: DW
authors: Johnston
authors: Beth
authors: B
authors: Pollard
authors: Val
authors: V
authors: Morrison
authors: Debbie
authors: D
authors: Bonetti
authors: Sara
authors: S
authors: Joice
authors: Ron
authors: R
authors: MacWalter
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology*; D000368:Aged; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003469:Culture; D004434:Early Ambulation / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008370:Manuals as Topic; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012944:Social Support; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology*; D020521:Stroke / Q000523:psychology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation