Perceived Burden of Thai Caregivers for Older Adults After Stroke

Perception of caregiver burden among stroke survivors varies based on socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. The objectives of this study were to identify the burdens among Thai caregivers of older stroke survivors, characteristics of caregivers and severity of caregiver burden. Caregivers of older stroke survivors were randomly interviewed (March–June, 2012). Information on baseline characteristics and caregiver burden using Zarit Burden Inventory (ZBI) was collected. One hundred one participants were assessed. The mean ZBI was 21.6 ± 14.5 [95% CI, 18.7–24.8]. More than half of caregivers reported no burden (54.5%). High burdens were associated with low self-reported income, high numbers of basic activities of daily living needed and coexisting musculoskeletal conditions. The observed low degree of burden might be the result of the sociocultural view of the study participants.