Enhancing Quality of Life for Hispanic Caregivers of Veterans Post-Stroke Through a Culturally Tailored Problem-Solving Intervention Original Research
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Keywords
Cerebrovascular accident, Caregiver, Spanish-speaking, Intervention
Abstract
Introduction: Caring for a stroke survivor is physically and emotionally demanding, often leading to reduced quality of life (QoL) for caregivers. Hispanic caregivers, particularly Spanish-speaking individuals, face additional challenges due to language barriers and cultural norms that shape help-seeking behaviors. Although problem-solving interventions can support the transition from hospital to home, few are tailored for this population. This paper reports findings on the impact of a problem-solving intervention on the quality of life of caregivers of Veterans post-stroke.
Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted with 210 Hispanic Spanish-speaking stroke caregivers to evaluate the impact of a problem-solving intervention on caregivers’ outcomes. Physical and mental health were measured using the Veterans Rand 12 Item Health Survey (VR-12). A generalized least squares regression model for repeated measures compared groups on physical and mental QoL outcomes measured at baseline, 9-weeks, and 21-weeks.
Results: The intervention group demonstrated significant improvement in mental health-related QoL, with scores increasing from 46.0±5.5 at baseline to 49.9±6.0 at 9-weeks and sustaining at 48.4±6.0 at 21-weeks, compared to the standard care group. Significant group-by-time effects were found at 9-weeks (p=.001) and 21-weeks (p=.044). The standard care group showed no change on mental QoL. Physical health–related QoL declined modestly in both groups, with no significant intervention effect.
Conclusions: These findings underscore the value of culturally tailored support, as even brief interventions can lead to meaningful improvements in mental health among Hispanic caregivers. While the intervention improved mental health-related QoL, additional strategies may be needed to address physical health.
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