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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Purpose: Systematic review to identify the factors associated to the quality of life (QOL) of the
caregivers of people with aphasia (PWA).
Methods: Studies were searched using Medline, Pubmed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsycINFO and
Web of Science databases. Peer-reviewed papers that studied the QOL of PWA’s caregivers or the
consequences of aphasia in caregivers’ life were included. Findings were extracted from the
studies that met the inclusion criteria.
Results: No data is available reporting particularly the QOL of PWA caregivers’ or their QOL
predictors. Nevertheless, it was possible to extract aspects related to QOL from the studies that
report the consequences of aphasia, and life changes in PWA’s caregivers. Nine (9) studies
including PWA’s caregivers were found, but only 5 reported data separately on them.
Methodological heterogeneity impedes cross-study comparisons, although some considerations
can be made. PWA’s caregivers reported life changes such as: loss of freedom; social isolation;
new responsibilities; anxiety; emotional loneliness; need for support and respite.
Conclusions: Changes in social relationships, in emotional status, increased burden and need for
support and respite were experienced by PWA’s caregivers. Stroke QOL studies need to include
PWA caregivers’ and report separately on them. Further research is needed in this area in order to
determine their QOL predictors and identify what interventions and referrals better suit their
needs.
Description
Keywords
Quality of life Caregivers Aphasia Consequences
Citation
Publisher
Instituto Politécnico do Porto. Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde do Porto
Instituto de Engenharia Electrónica e Telemática de Aveiro
Escola Superior de Saúde da Universidade de Aveiro
School of Health Sciences
Instituto de Engenharia Electrónica e Telemática de Aveiro
Escola Superior de Saúde da Universidade de Aveiro
School of Health Sciences