IS CARE GIVING A BURDEN OR A GIFT? Presenters: E Nemabaka and R Shivhambu Other Researchers: Dzivhani TS; Nkoana JP and Rambau N Occupational Therapists (Community Service) 4 th year research project
TITLE OF THE STUDY The impact of care giving on the occupational profile of caregivers of stroke patients attending the Occupational Therapy outpatient clinic at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital
OUTLINE The presentation will cover the following: Chapter 1: Background Chapter 2: Literature Chapter 3: Methodology Chapter 4: Results Chapter 5: Discussion Chapter 6: Recommendations and conclusion
INTRODUCTION Taking care of someone who has had a stroke is usually referred to as a strain or a burden and it impacts on the health status of the caregivers which then in turn may impact on the patients status, both functionally and emotionally (Ilse, Feysand and de Wit, 2008).
BACKGROUND
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM After discharge, stroke patients must continue to follow an occupational therapy home programme that assists in improving their independence in areas of occupation.
RELEVANCE OF THE STUDY SO WHAT? NOW WHAT? WHAT HAPPENED?
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY The purpose of this study was to investigate the roles and challenges of caregivers of post stroke patients, how this impacted their occupational performance and the balance of their activity profile.
OBJECTIVES To determine the experiences of caregivers regarding their care giving role for recovering stroke patients. To identify the challenges that the caregivers face after the discharge of recovering stroke patients from the hospital. To identify the impact of care giving on the occupational profile of caregivers.
1. Description of stroke (WHO, 2001). 2. Person-Environment- Occupation Model (CAOT, 2012) LITERATURE REVIEW 3. The role of caregivers on the rehabilitation of stroke patients (National Stroke Association of South Africa, 2012). 4. Impact of taking care of stroke patients on the occupation of caregivers (Gillen, 2011).
METHODOLOGY Study design Quantitative descriptive design Study population Caregivers of stroke outpatients at DGMAH Study sample Males and females aged 18-80 years Non probability sampling Inclusion and exclusion criteria
MATERIALS AND METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION Adapted questionnaire based on Caregiver s Strain Index. Modelled on Robinson s questionnaire (1983)for stroke research. Available in English and translated to Setswana. Informed consent Completion of questionnaire
CONT D Reliability (modeled questionnaire) Validity (internal, external and instrumental) Ethical approval from Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Research Ethics Committee (SMUREC).
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
AGE Majority : 40-49 years (24%) Lowest : 70-79 years (4%) GENDER Majority : Female (76%) LEVEL OF EDUCATION Majority: Below grade 12 (32%) Lowest: Diploma (6%)
EMPLOYMENT STATUS Majority: Unemployed (56%) ACCOMODATION Majority: Own house (94%) Lowest : Renting (4%) MARITAL STATUS Majority: Not married (62%)
Experience of care giving role (n=50) Positive Never Sometimes Always 0% 23% Negative Never Sometimes Always 0% 20% 25% 52% 64% 16%
Challenges that the caregivers face (n=50) Never Sometimes Always 0% 18% 12% 70%
The impact of care giving on the Occupational Profile of caregivers (n=50) Never Sometimes Always 0% 14% 60% 26%
LIMITATIONS OF THE RESEARCH AND POSSIBLE BIAS Insufficient data collection sample Only 50 caregivers were used as a sample of the study. Respondent bias Some of the caregivers could not read the questionnaires in either English or Setswana language.
SUMMARY OF THE RESEARCH Impact of care giving: Change in role Unproductive at work Emotional stress- depression Physical -becomes patients themselves Lack of participation in leisure and social activities
RECOMMENDATIONS Community based rehabilitation Caregiver support groups Proper training and education Information pamphlets Home visits and telephonic follow-up Unfortunately demographics cannot be changed through therapy, however more support can be given to caregivers.
CONCLUSION The caregivers felt very strongly about the lack of information on stroke and the lack of training which cause uncertainties on how to handle and help the patients at home, unfounded fears which disempowered them. The caregiver is an important member in the team who delivers an invaluable service and should be treated and respected as such.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Caregivers who participated in the study Supervisor, Mrs. Pitout S.J.S CEO of DGMAH, Dr MC Holm Head of Department at DGMAH, Mrs. R Best Neurological therapist at DGMAH, Ms Chhania English Professor, Dr Gheevarghese Statisticians, Mr Donald Tshabalala and Mr Gezani Miyambo Centre for Statistical Consultation Former classmate, Mr Eric Nkoana
REFERENCES Available from researchers Emails: edzaninemabaka@ymail.com shivambur65@gmail.com