Introduction: Caring for stroke survivors may be burdensome with adverse consequences on caregivers’ physical health. This study examined the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and associated factors among family caregivers of stroke survivors in Nigeria. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study involving 90 stroke caregiver and stroke survivor dyads was conducted. Data on the participants’ demographics and post-stroke duration were obtained. Seven-day prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among the caregivers and level of stroke survivors’ disability were respectively assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and Modified Rankin Scale. Prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms was presented as percentages while participants’ characteristics associated with prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms were examined using inferential statistics. Results: Mean (SD) age of caregivers and stroke survivors was 33.2 (10.7) years and 58.9 (9.7) years respectively. Majority of the caregivers were females (61.1%), and children of the stroke survivors (58.9%). Prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms was 82.2%. The low back was the most affected body region (72.2%) followed by the upper back (40%) while musculoskeletal symptoms in the wrist was least prevalent (3.3%). Female caregivers, caregivers of female stroke survivors and spousal caregivers had significantly higher prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms compared to other categories of caregivers. Only 5 (5.6%) caregivers had however received any training on safe care giving methods while only 21 (28.4%) caregivers with musculoskeletal symptoms had received treatment. Conclusion: With the high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among family caregivers of stroke survivors, effective preventive strategies including training and education as well as timely access to treatment would be required.

Background: Abdominal obesity is a risk factor for many life threatening and life-changing chronic conditions. A survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of abdominal obesity among stroke survivors undergoing rehabilitation. Methods: Ninety stroke survivors attending three physiotherapy outpatient facilities in a metropolitan city in Nigeria participated in this cross-sectional survey. Abdominal obesity was determined with the measurement of waist circumference. Data on participants' personal factors namely age, gender, post-stroke duration, and level of disability (Modified Rankin Scale) were also obtained and the prevalence of abdominal obesity was explored in relation to these factors using Chi-square statistics. Results: Mean (SD) age of participants was 58.9 (9.7) years, and male stroke survivors were in the majority (62.2%). Twenty-two participants were observed to have abdominal obesity giving a prevalence rate of 24.4%. Females had a significantly higher prevalence (44.1%) compared to males (12.5%). No other personal factors, however, resulted in significantly different prevalence rates. Conclusion:Approximately one in four stroke survivors in this study was observed to have abdominal obesity with a significantly higher prevalence among female stroke survivors. Further studies would be required to document outcomes of abdominal obesity after stroke and identify effective preventive and intervention strategies to address abdominal obesity among stroke survivors.