The Relationship Between Mood and Insomnia Severity and Caregiver Burden in Caregivers of Stroke

The Relationship Between Mood and Insomnia Severity and Caregiver Burden in Caregivers of Stroke Patients

This study will include stroke patients aged 18-80 years and their caregivers. Demographic data such as age, height, weight, and comorbidities will be recorded, along with stroke-specific characteristics including duration of stroke, affected side, lesion location, and etiology. Patients' functional status will be assessed using the Modified Rankin Scale, Brunnstrom Stages, and the Modified Barthel Index, while ambulation status will be documented with the Holden Scale. Caregivers will complete the Insomnia Severity Index to assess the severity of sleep disturbances and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale to evaluate anxiety and depressive symptoms. Caregiver burden will be measured using the Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale. The study aims to investigate the relationship between caregivers' mood, insomnia severity, and caregiver burden.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18-80 years.
• Clinical diagnosis of stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic; first-ever or recurrent).
• Ability of both the patient and caregiver to communicate in Turkish and participate in evaluations (mRS, Brunnstrom, Modified Barthel Index, Holden).
• Caregiver must have been the primary caregiver for the patient for at least 1 month.
• Willingness of both the patient and caregiver to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of subarachnoid hemorrhage.
• Inability to communicate effectively due to severe aphasia or severe cognitive impairment.
• Terminal illness (life expectancy < 6 months).
• Inability to reliably complete questionnaires due to a psychiatric disorder.