Risk factors associated with the care burden of stroke patients: A qualitative systematic review

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors related to the care burden of stroke survivor’s caregivers, as reported by previous studies. [Subjects and Methods] Studies concerning the factors related to the care burden of stroke survivor’s caregivers were extracted from two electronic databases and their contents were comprehensively identified via a systematic review. [Results] In total, 78 studies were identified, of which 7 were analyzed. Adverse factors related to the care burden included the worsening of caregivers’ mental state, and a lack of adequate social support. No association between this burden and the ability to carry out activities of daily living was found. [Conclusion] A worsening of mental state of the caregiver and poor social support appear to be factors amplifying the care burden felt by cargivers.