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Predictors and Changes of Self-Perceived Burden Among Stroke Survivors: A 3-Month Follow-Up Study
Yuanyuan Wei1,2, Xiaoran Ren3, Xiangni Su1
1School of Nursing, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
Insights
Stroke survivors experience significant self-perceived burden (SPB) early post-stroke, particularly physical burden. Key predictors include age, economic pressure, comorbidity, and functional status, highlighting needs for targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Psychology
Background:
- Self-perceived burden (SPB) negatively impacts patient rehabilitation and quality of life.
- Stroke survivors face substantial health and social burdens.
- Understanding SPB is crucial for improving post-stroke outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess and compare SPB in stroke survivors.
- To identify predictors of SPB within the first 3 months post-stroke.
- To inform targeted interventions for stroke patient care.
Main Methods:
- Prospective longitudinal study design.
- Recruitment of consecutive stroke inpatients from three hospitals in Xi'an, China.
- Administration of the Self-perceived Burden Scale (SPBS) at acute phase, 1 month, and 3 months post-stroke.
Main Results:
- 84.15-91.50% of patients reported considerable burden in the first 3 months.
- Physical burden scores were consistently the highest.
- Age, economic pressure, comorbidity, and functional status significantly predicted higher SPB across all time points.
Conclusions:
- Stroke patients experience high early-stage SPB.
- Physical, emotional, and economic burdens decrease over the first 3 months.
- Targeted interventions addressing identified predictors are essential for improving stroke recovery and reducing disability.
Abstract:
Background and Purpose: Patients' self-perceived burden (SPB) is associated with distress, which has a potentially negative influence on disease rehabilitation and quality of life. Stroke represents a significant health and social burden. The aim of the study was to assess, compare, and identify predictors of SPB in stroke survivors during the first 3 months post-stroke. Methods: A prospective longitudinal study was used. Consecutive stroke inpatients were recruited from the neurology department of three general hospitals in Xi'an, China. Patients were surveyed using the Self-perceived Burden Scale (SPBS) on the fourth day of admission (Acute phase, Time 1, T1) and 1 month (Time 2, T2) and 3 months (Time 3, T3) post-stroke. Results: Considerable burden was experienced by 84.15-91.50% of patients in the first 3 months post-stroke. The mean score of physical burden was the highest. Over time, physical, emotional, and economic burden all declined. The following characteristics had significant association with increased patient SPB at T1, T2, and T3: age, self-evaluated economic pressure, comorbidity, and functional status (P < 0.01). Patients' knowledge about stroke was only significantly associated with SPB at T3 (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Patients experienced a high degree of SPB in the early stage after stroke. Addressing the characteristics and predicting factors as well as the development of a targeted intervention for SPB may improve survival and post-stroke disability.
