Determinants of caregiving burden and quality of life of informal caregivers of African stroke survivors: literature review

Abstract

Abstract Background: The involvement of informal caregivers (CGs) in the provision of care for stroke survivors always ensures the success of stroke rehabilitation. Aims: The aim of this review was to find the determinants of caregiving burden and quality of life (QOL) of CGs of African stroke survivors. Methods: The literature was searched in Google Scholar and PUBMED, AJOL and Cochrane Databases using selected search strategies without date restriction. Results: A total of eight African studies met the inclusion criteria. There were more female stroke CGs (55.6%) than their male counterparts. The determinants of CG QOL were duration and burden of caregiving, the CG’s age and functional status of the stroke survivors. The determinants of caregiving burden were functional status of stroke survivors and having intimate relationship with them. Conclusion: Impairment of physical function in African stroke survivors was the consistent determinant of increased caregiving burden and deterioration of CG QOL. CG education and training is needed in order to enhance their ability to cope effectively with the burden of providing care to stroke survivors who have impairment of physical function and this may help to improve CG QOL.