Evaluation of Caregiver Burden and Depression Severity in Patients With Hemiplegia

Stroke is a disease characterized by neurological symptoms and signs lasting more than 24 hours, which can lead to death after the interruption of brain blood flow or due to focal brain damage. Post-stroke disability affects the patient's quality of life, makes the patient dependent on the caregiver, creates a caregiver burden, and brings socioeconomic and social consequences. Different hemispheres of the brain undertake different tasks. Different clinical conditions may occur in stroke patients with right or left hemiplegia following cerebrovascular infarction. This may affect the care burden of caregivers and the severity of depression. It was thought that knowing the care burden of patients with right and left hemiplegia would positively contribute to the quality of care given to patients.This study aimed to evaluate the caregiving burden and severity of depression in patients with right hemiplegia and left hemiplegia.

Inclusion criteria

• Hemiplegia patients between the ages of 18 and 75 were included.
• Caregivers over 18 years of age
• At least 3 months must have passed since the patient was diagnosed.
• Caregivers of patients should be their first and second degree relatives.
• Caregivers must be competent to understand what they read and complete the questionnaires.
• Caregivers must have been caring for their patients for at least 3 months.

Exclusion criteria

• Patients and caregivers with a history of psychiatric illness