Stroke Caregiver Depression: Qualitative Comparison of Treatment Responders and Nonresponders at 1 Year.

Background: Mixed-method studies can shed light on the mechanisms through which interventions effectively reduce caregiver depression.

Objective: The objective of this qualitative study was to understand factors contributing to reduced depressive symptoms in stroke caregiver treatment responders compared with nonresponders.

Methods: A mixed-methods explanatory sequential design was used to assess cognitive behavioral coping use and helpfulness in reducing depression among experimental study treatment responders and nonresponders.

Survey of survivors' perspective on return to work after stroke.

Purpose: To describe the development and results of a detailed survey on return to work (RTW) after stroke completed by survivors at various stages of recovery.

Method: This study used a multi-method qualitative and quantitative research strategy to design and implement a 39-item survey for stroke survivors. Individual interviews, focus groups, and working committees were used to conceptualize the issues and translate them into a survey format.

The stroke caregiver unmet resource needs scale: development and psychometric testing.

The purposes of this study were to develop and validate a measure of unmet resource needs of the caregivers of survivors of stroke and to describe the caregivers' unmet needs during 1 year. A longitudinal, descriptive design was used to test the reliability and validity of the Unmet Resource Needs (URN) measure. Item development was based on literature review and preliminary study findings.

A problem-solving early intervention for stroke caregivers: one year follow-up.

Purpose: The study purposes were to assess the efficacy of a caregiver problem-solving intervention (CPSI) on stroke caregiver physical and psychosocial adaptation compared with a wait-list control (WLC) treatment, and to assess the mediation effects of coping on outcomes.

Methods: A stress and coping model guided the study design. Outcomes were depression, anxiety, preparedness, life changes, and family functioning.

Critical factors related to return to work after stroke: a qualitative study.

Return to work (RTW) after stroke is often perceived as a critical marker of recovery and contributes to overall well-being and life satisfaction of survivors. Quantitative studies have yielded conflicting results in identifying specific predictors of successful RTW, and qualitative studies have been very limited. The current study conducted in-depth interviews with 12 stroke survivors selected by job type and extent of RTW.

Stroke caregivers: pressing problems reported during the first months of caregiving.

The major purpose of this study was to identify the types and frequency of caregiving problems and associated stress and coping effectiveness. Secondary purposes were (a) to examine changes in problem frequency, stress, and coping effectiveness over time and (b) to identify relationships between problem stress and personal, illness, coping, and well-being variables. A stress and coping model guided the study.

Patterns of relationships between background characteristics, coping, and stroke caregiver outcomes.

Purpose: Little is known about mediators of stroke caregiver outcomes or patterns of relationships of outcome predictors. We examined relationships between the variable sets of caregiver and stroke survivor characteristics, coping (proposed mediators), and caregiver outcomes.

Methods: We assessed 253 dyads prior to discharge from acute rehabilitation.

Problem-solving early intervention: a pilot study of stroke caregivers.

Caregivers (CGs) of stroke survivors assume their role suddenly and with little preparation. Negative emotions are common, persist over time, and are related to other negative outcomes. This pilot study, guided by a coping model, examined the efficacy and durability of a caregiver problem-solving intervention (CPSI) on CG and stroke survivor outcomes.

The use of writing groups to facilitate adaptation after stroke.

Purpose: This is a report on a pilot study of small writing groups to assist in long-term adaptation after stroke onset.

Method: 26 stroke survivors participated in a small group experience to write a short essay to be published about their recovery. The sample consisted of middle-aged, well-educated participants who were several years post stroke and were self-selected by interest and experience in writing.

Analysis of problem types and difficulty among older stroke caregivers.

Stroke onset causes disruption of family roles as caregiving tasks are assumed. The current study presents a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the problems of 123 older, spousal stroke caregivers. Problems were coded into 14 categories; frequencies of occurrence and difficulty were also analyzed.

Telephone group intervention for older stroke caregivers.

Purpose: This study evaluated the effectiveness of telephone groups for older, spousal caregivers of stroke survivors.

Method: The 88 caregivers were mostly white females who were 70 years old on average and who had been providing care for an average of 3 years. Participants were randomized to treatment or control conditions, followed for 6 months, and assessed for depression, burden, loneliness, stress, and competence.

Assessment of the needs of the young stroke survivor.

As part of program planning efforts by the RIC Stroke Team, convenience samples of 100 young (<60 years old) stroke survivors and 65 referring physicians were surveyed to determine the unique needs ofthis patient group. The correlation between survivors' and physicians' rankings of programs/activities value was not significant. Survivors ranked exercise/fitness, education/information, individual counseling, stress management, and recreation/social programs as the five most valuable programs.