Factors Influencing Coping Difficulties After Hospitalization of Caregiving Among Stroke Family Caregivers

Background: Disability in stroke survivors often forces family members to suddenly step into the role of primary caregiver. A lack of experience and preparation for this new role poses significant challenges to caregivers’ adjustment in the initial period after the patient is discharged from the hospital. Methods: A cohort descriptive research design was employed. The sample group consisted of 102 caregivers of stroke patients admitted to the inpatient departments of Vajira Hospital and Chao Phraya Abhaibhubej Hospital, whose physicians had approved their discharge plan. Multiple linear regression was applied to the data analysis. Results: The sample group had moderate level scores on coping difficulties after hospitalization among caregivers of stroke patients ( M = 37.57, SD = 15.19) The variables that statistically predicted the coping difficulties after hospitalization were caregivers’ burden (β = .234, P < .001), perceived self-efficacy (β = −.233, P = .045), social support (β = −.231, P = .047), and readiness for hospital discharge (β = −.259, P = .018). Readiness for hospital discharge, caregivers’ burden, perceived self-efficacy, and social support together statistically accounted for 64% of the variance in coping difficulties after hospitalization among caregivers of stroke patients (Adjusted R 2 = .640, P < .001). Conclusions: Healthcare personnel should assess readiness for hospital discharge, perceived self-efficacy, caregivers’ burden, and social support prior to discharge of stroke patients from the hospital in order to plan care and help caregivers avoid coping difficulties after hospitalization.