PREDICTORS OF LIFE SATISFACTION AMONG FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF HOSPITALIZED FIRST-EVER STROKE PATIENTS IN KELANTAN

Objective: The involvement of families in assisting health professionals in providing care for their family members who suffer a stroke during hospitalization is common in Malaysia. Family caregivers are accountable in providing for the first-ever stroke survivor’s needs, including maintaining functional improvements gained in rehabilitation and the long-term well-being of the stroke survivors. The objective of this study was to determine the predictors of life satisfaction among family caregivers of hospitalized first-ever stroke patients. Methods: This was a cross-sectional community research design study with purposive sampling. It involved 102 family caregivers of hospitalized first-ever stroke patients of two tertiary hospitals in Kelantan. The Bakas Caregiving Outcomes Score (BCOS) was used to measure life satisfaction. Multiple linear regression was used to determine the predictors of life satisfaction. Results: Out of 102 respondents, 21 were males and 81 were females with age range of 16 to 76 years. Significant predictors of life satisfaction of caregivers while caring for their hospitalized first-ever stroke family members were caregivers’ health (β: -2.875, 95%CI: -5.725, -0.025, p = 0.048), patients’ age (β: - 4.251, 95% CI: - 6.379, -2.123, p 0.001) and educational status of patients (β: 3.176, 95% CI: 1.083, 5.269, p = 0.003). Conclusion: This study highlighted predictors of life satisfaction among caregivers while caring for their hospitalized family members with stroke. The results may provide a basis for developing a support program for the family caregivers of hospitalized stroke patients in preparation for their continuing caregiving role at their homes