Psychological stress in family members of elderly acute stroke patients : Structural factors of stressors and their relationship with psychological stress

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify the stressors for family members of acute stroke patients, and to examine their relation to psychological stress. Interviews using closedended questions were conducted with 73 family members of acute stroke patients. Factor analysis showed that stressors were composed of 9 items and the following 2 factors: "correspondence of life changes" (factor 1), and "difficulties with consultation" (factor 2). A multiple regression analysis revealed that the stressors (9 items) and two patient attributes (stomach tubes, dementia) were associated with psychological stress. To reduce stress in family members, two kinds of care are needed: support in adjusting to discharge planning, and support in understanding the family member's present condition.