Stroke Mobility and Caregiver Outcomes

The Effect of Mobility Level in Stroke Patients on Anxiety, Depression, and Caregiver Burden in Caregivers

This study was designed to determine the effect of functional mobility levels of stroke patients on caregiver burden, anxiety, and depression in their caregivers.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Stroke Patients:

   • Diagnosed with stroke according to WHO criteria (≥20% disability rate documented in Adult Disability Health Board Report)
   • Having a family member or relative who provides care
   • First-ever and unilateral stroke
   • Willing to participate voluntarily
   • Aged between 18-75 years
   • Post-stroke duration longer than 3 months
   • Stable vital signs
   • Scoring ≥24 on the Standardized Mini-Mental State Examination (SMMT) or the -Modified Mini-Mental State Examination for Illiterate Individuals (MMSE-E)
   • Able to understand and speak Turkish

2. Caregivers of Stroke Patients:

   • Willing to participate in the study
   • Living with the patient for at least 1 year
   • Being the primary (main responsible) caregiver and not receiving paid professional caregiving services
   • Aged 18 years or older
   • Scoring ≥24 on the Standardized Mini-Mental State Examination (SMMT) or MMSE-E

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Stroke Patients:

   • Presence of severe comorbid conditions
   • Unwillingness to participate
   • History of multiple strokes
   • Bilateral hemiplegia
   • Presence of major neurological, orthopedic, or rheumatologic disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system other than stroke
   • Congenital anomalies or amputation causing disability
   • Uncontrolled arrhythmia, uncontrolled hypertension, or unstable cardiac conditions
   • Botulinum toxin injection within the last 6 months
   • Inability to establish cooperation
   • Presence of neglect, aphasia, or hemianopsia

2. Caregivers of Stroke Patients:

   • Unwillingness to participate
   • Living with the patient for less than 1 year
   • Presence of mental retardation, dementia, or severe psychotic disorders