Mental health and work overload in informal caregivers: a mixed-method study

Stroke is one of the most common causes of sequelae and disabilities worldwide. The sequelae often restrict performance of daily activities, requiring the help of caregivers.

To assess the mental health and work overload of caregivers of stroke survivors based on ergonomics activity analysis.

This mixed methods study included 76 informal caregivers, 11 of whom also participated in a qualitative study phase. The Self-Reported Questionnaire-20 was used to investigate mental distress, while the Zarit Burden Interview scale was used to assess work overload. The qualitative phase included an interview.

The prevalences of mental distress and work overload were 44.7% and 64.5%, respectively, and they were strongly correlated (r = 0.707, p < 0.001). Caregiver distress was associated with comorbidities (p = 0.003) and illiterate patients (p = 0.04). No variables were associated with work overload. Qualitative ergonomics analysis resulted in two categories: (1) description of the work routine and (2) the physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion of caregivers. The quantitative data converged into two categories: description of the work routine and its effects on the lives of caregivers.

the results indicate the need for structural changes in social and health programs for caregivers of stroke survivors.