STROKE AND ITS IMPACT ON FAMILIES OF PATIENTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY OF FAMILY MEMBERS

Stroke significantly impacts not only patients but also their relatives, who face the emotional and physical burden of caregiving. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of caregiving for stroke patients on the emotional state of their relatives and to identify their needs for support and education. Methods: The study involved n-1336 relatives of patients, based on n-396 patients who had suffered a stroke, using questionnaires to assess emotional state, stress levels, and access to rehabilitation services. Respondents are patients who have suffered a severe stroke, requiring constant external care, with an NIHSS score of at least 15 at the first stage of rehabilitation and according to the Renkin scale, >3 points which had pronounced impairments in Activities of Daily Living (ADL). Statistical methods, including Kruskal-Wallis tests and chi-square tests, were applied. Results: The emotional state of respondents significantly differs (p < 0.005) for those who do not receive or rarely receive rehabilitation services (χ² = 51.4600, df = 6, p < 0.001). (H (9, n=1136) = 643,7460, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Data analysis showed that many relatives experience significant psychological pressure, negatively affecting their emotional well-being. Participants who received regular rehabilitation and tele-rehabilitation reported a higher quality of life. Deficiencies in the accessibility of rehabilitation centers and a lack of knowledge about proper caregiving were identified.