ABSTRACT

This Study was designed to provide the basic data of effective intervention for the promotion of coping and quality of life in family caregivers of stroke patients.The subjects of this study were a total of 113 caregivers of stroke patients under occupational therapy at university hospitals located in Seoul city and Kyeongki-do.Data were collected by means of a questionnaire during the period from March 4th to July 30th. 1997.The questionnaires consisted of questions regarding burden(21 item. 5 point scale). coping(29 item. 4 point scale) and quality of life(47 item. 5 point scale).Data were analyzed using SAS program for t-test. ANOVA. Scheffe test and Pearson correlation coefficients.The results were as follows:1. In the relationships between burden and demographic characteristics of the family caregivers: there were no significant differences.2. In the relationships between coping and demographic charactersistics of the family caregivers: monthly income and religious affilition had statistically significant differences.The level of coping was significantly higer in those who perceived their religion as helpful than in their counterparts.3. In the relationships between quality of life and demographic characteristics of the family caregivers: supporters, education, occupation and monthly income had statistically significant differences. The level of the quality of life was significantly higher in those who receivedsupport for family chores than in those who didn't.4. The relationship between burden and coping showed a significant negative correlation.The relationship between coping and quality of life, and current Barthel Index showed a significant positive correlation.