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Quality of life and its correlates in caregivers of stroke survivors from a Nigerian population

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Abstract

Purpose

The study aimed at determining the quality of life (QOL) of caregivers of stroke survivors in a Nigeria population and some patient and caregiver-related variables that may be associated with it.

Method

A survey of the QOL of volunteering informal caregivers of stroke survivors in purposively selected tertiary health centres from South-Eastern Nigeria was done using the SF-12 questionnaire.

Result

Caregivers rated their QOL fairly well. Older age, female gender and closeness in relationship to survivor were caregivers’ variables that were significantly related to poorer QOL scores. Being a woman close relative is associated with lower mental health scores while being an older close relative contributed to lower physical health score (P < 0.05). Caregivers’ scores on the physical and mental health domains correlated moderately with each other (r = 0.52) and highly with their overall QOL scores (r = 0.81 and 0.88).

Conclusion

Caring for stroke survivors in Nigeria seems to have adverse effects on the QOL of closer relatives who are either women or older. There is a need for clinicians to help those caregivers at risk find ways of improving and optimizing their QOL.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria

    Christopher O. Akosile, Emmanuel C. Okoye & M. Joseph Nwankwo

  2. National Youth Service Corps (State Headquarters), Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

    Claudius O. Akosile

  3. Department of Medical Rehabilitation, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

    Chidozie E. Mbada

Authors
  1. Christopher O. Akosile
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  2. Emmanuel C. Okoye
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  3. M. Joseph Nwankwo
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  4. Claudius O. Akosile
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  5. Chidozie E. Mbada
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Correspondence to Christopher O. Akosile.

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Akosile, C., Okoye, E.C., Nwankwo, M.J. et al. Quality of life and its correlates in caregivers of stroke survivors from a Nigerian population. Qual Life Res 20, 1379–1384 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-011-9876-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-011-9876-9

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