Stress experienced by stroke survivors and spousal caregivers during the first year after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation.
OBJECTIVE
This study describes levels of stress in stroke survivors and spousal caregivers and identifies predictors of stress in couples during their first year at home.


METHODS
The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was administered to 159 stroke survivors and caregivers at discharge and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Other variables tested included stroke survivor function (FIM), health status, mutuality, stroke impact (SIS), caregiver coping (F-COPES), support (MOS Social Support Survey), and preparedness. Repeated measures analyses of PSS scores were conducted with linear mixed models for stroke survivors and caregivers.


RESULTS
PSS scores for stroke survivors and caregivers were positively correlated (p<.01). Scores decreased significantly over the year, but caregivers had higher scores initially and decreased less. Stroke survivor function was a significant predictor of stress for both survivors and caregivers. Preparation was the most powerful predictor of stress in caregivers, whereas mutuality was the strongest predictor for stroke survivors. Good health, social support, and coping were associated with less stress.


CONCLUSIONS
Stress is increased by poor function and mediated by internal and external buffers including health, the dyadic relationship, coping ability, and social support. More research using a dyadic research approach is needed to better understand stress within couples.
Ostwald
Sharon K
SK
Center on Aging, School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.
Bernal
Maria P
MP
Cron
Stanley G
SG
Godwin
Kyler M
KM
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010351:Patient Discharge; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D020521:Stroke / Q000523:psychology*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D013781:Texas; D013997:Time Factors