Caregiver burden in stroke care: Identifying predictors and effective interventions - a narrative review.

INTRODUCTION

An estimated annual incidence of stroke in Pakistan is 250 per 100 000 people. Our narrative review emphasizes the importance of recognizing caregiver burden and recommends strategies to support caregivers in Pakistan.

METHODS

We conducted a narrative review using PubMed and the Cochrane Library, focusing on terms related to caregiver burden, caregiving challenges, caregiving interventions, caregiver mental health, stroke recovery support, informal caregiving challenges, stroke, and predictive factors within the Pakistani context. Our review included three English-language publications up to 2024.

RESULTS

Our review included three English-language publications up to 2024, analyzing data from 722 participants (310, 300, and 112 participants, respectively). Video-based educational interventions significantly improved risk factor management, with 33% of patients achieving systolic BP < 125 mm Hg, 81% achieving diastolic BP < 85 mm Hg, 65% achieving HbA1c < 7%, and 70% achieving LDL < 100 mg/dL. Additionally, stroke-related mortality was significantly lower in the intervention group (1.3%) compared to controls (8.4%). While caregiver burden was not a direct outcome of these studies, improved patient stability and reduced post-stroke complications may have contributed to easing caregiving demands.

CONCLUSION

It is recommended that future research concentrate on longitudinal studies in order to monitor changes in caregiver burden over time and create long-lasting support plans. Particularly in rural regions, policymakers should give priority to programs that enhance caregiver education and guarantee fair access to digital healthcare resources. Developing culturally sensitive support programs that cater to the specific requirements of caregivers in varied communities requires collaboration between healthcare practitioners, caregivers, and community organizations.