Correlation Between the Quality of Life of Stroke Caregivers and the Readiness of Patients and Caregivers for Hospital Discharge

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the quality of life of stroke caregivers and analyze its association with the discharge readiness of both caregivers and patients. Methods: A total of 302 stroke patients and their primary caregivers were recruited from the neurology departments of three hospitals affiliated with Chengdu Medical College using a convenience sampling method. Sociodemographic data, the WHO Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL-BREF), the Caregiver Preparedness Scale (CPS), and the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale (RHDS) were used. Statistical analyses included t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson’s correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression. Results: The overall mean quality of life of primary caregivers is 60.80±6.06, indicating a relatively low level. The mean readiness for discharge scores are as follows: caregivers: 17.66±2.67, indicating a moderate level; stroke patients: 78.17±8.16, indicating a relatively low level. A positive correlation was found between caregivers’ quality of life and their own as well as the patients’ readiness for discharge (P < 0.01). Multiple linear regression indicated four significant factors associated with caregiver quality of life: Patient’s disease severity, Patient’s readiness for discharge, Caregiver’s readiness for discharge, and the Daily hours spent caregiving (R²= 0.589, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Caregivers’ quality of life is generally low but can be improved by enhancing discharge readiness for both caregivers and patients.