Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Family Caregivers of Community-Dwelling Stroke Survivors in Nigeria

Abstract

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.

Correlates of social support on report of probable common mental disorders in Zimbabwean informal caregivers of patients with stroke: a cross-sectional survey

“…Further, the median duration of caregiving was 4 months (IQR: 2–13) implying that most participants were still in the acute to sub-acute phases of stroke recovery, a period when the patient is much reliant on the caregiver [25]. Physical health problems such as chronic fatigue, sleep deprivation, pain (particularly shoulder and low back pain) are especially prevalent in caregivers from low-resourced settings [28–30]. The physical burden is further compounded by a lack of appropriate aid and appliances, and ergonomic training resulting in the utilisation of poor lifting and transfer skills [28, 30].…”

“…Physical health problems such as chronic fatigue, sleep deprivation, pain (particularly shoulder and low back pain) are especially prevalent in caregivers from low-resourced settings [28–30]. The physical burden is further compounded by a lack of appropriate aid and appliances, and ergonomic training resulting in the utilisation of poor lifting and transfer skills [28, 30]. Poor physical health is unfortunately linked to poor mental health outcomes [31–33].…”

Occupational injuries sustained by caregivers in geriatric care homes of Kathmandu valley

“…9 Due to the vital and indispensable role played by caregivers, several studies have examined the impact of care giving on various constructs such as caregivers' stress, strain, burden and quality of life (QoL). 10 Work-related musculoskeletal disorders have been recognized to be associated with various occupational risk factors, as well as work position, posture, physical force, vibration and movement, psychosocial stressors and individual issues. 11 Based on scientifi c reports, WMSDs can be attributed to occur during patient transferring activities.…”

“…12 It is however troubling that despite the potential risk of musculoskeletal symptoms among caregivers, only few studies have addressed the subject matter of which, one study involving stroke caregivers focused only on low back pain. 10 We, therefore, studied caregivers' knowledge and training in patient handling and the injuries sustained by caregivers. This would provide an insight into the enormity of the problem which will in turn provide an empirical basis, and impetus for seeking out training needs and providing eff ective preventive and therapeutic interventions.…”

Caregiving Appraisal by Family Caregivers of Stroke Survivors in Nigeria

“…9 While there are reports that such support from caregivers enhances post-stroke functional outcomes 10 and stroke survivors’ quality of life, 11,12 understanding how caregiving is perceived by the caregivers is also important. Although there is an arguably global contribution to information on stroke caregiving topics such as caregivers’ burden, 13,14 quality of life, 15,16 physical health, 17,18 and psychological well-being, 19 caregiving appraisal has not enjoyed such a universal attention. In fact, most available data on caregiving appraisals by stroke caregivers have emanated from studies conducted in Asia 6,7 while data is lacking from the African continent.…”