Spousal caregiver confidence and recovery from ambulatory activity limitations in stroke survivors.
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.
Molloy
Gerard J
GJ
Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK. g.molloy@ucl.ac.uk
Johnston
Marie
M
Johnston
Derek W
DW
Pollard
Beth
B
Morrison
Val
V
Bonetti
Debbie
D
Joice
Sara
S
MacWalter
Ron
R
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