A randomized controlled trial evaluating the effect of a support and education programme for spouses of people affected by stroke.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether a nurse-led support and education programme for spouses of patients affected by stroke improved the psychological health of the spouses.


METHODS
A longitudinal, open, randomized controlled trial.


METHODS
One hundred spouses of stroke patients were randomly assigned to either an intervention or a control group.


METHODS
The study was conducted in a hospital setting.


METHODS
The intervention consisted of six group meetings during six months, with a follow-up after further six months. Comparison between the intervention and the control groups was made at baseline, after six and 12 months using analysis with repeated measures.


METHODS
The Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale--Self-Affective for psychological health.


RESULTS
No significant difference was found between the intervention and control groups concerning overall psychological health. However, a subanalysis revealed that those who participated more frequently in the group meetings (five or six times) had significantly stronger psychological health (P<0.05). Knowledge about stroke increased over time in both groups, but participants in the intervention group learned more (P=0.041).


CONCLUSIONS
Encouraging participation in the group meetings of a support programme might have a positive effect on psychological health.
Franzén-Dahlin
A
A
Department of Clinical Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Danderyd Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. asa.franzen-dahlin@ds.se
Larson
J
J
Murray
V
V
Wredling
R
R
Billing
E
E
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D010054:Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D012944:Social Support; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation