Preparedness for caregiving among family caregivers of stroke survivors: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Many family caregivers of stroke survivors feel unprepared for their role due to limited knowledge, skills, and support, potentially increasing their burden. However, research on family caregivers’ preparedness to care for relatives who have experienced a stroke remains limited in the literature. Therefore, this study aimed to examine caregiving preparedness and its associated factors among family caregivers of stroke survivors in Malaysia. A cross-sectional online study was conducted among 264 family caregivers of stroke survivors recruited through convenience sampling. Sociodemographic data, preparedness for caregiving, and caregiver burden were collected.  Associations between preparedness for caregiving and selected variables were analysed using independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression analysis. Bivariate analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between preparedness for caregiving and caregiver burden (r=−0.32, p<0.01). Significant differences in preparedness were observed according to gender, presence of chronic illness, receipt of caregiving training, age, marital status, occupation, income level, relationship with the stroke survivor, and duration of caregiving (all p<0.05). In the multiple linear regression, gender (β=0.167, p=0.001) and caregiver–stroke survivor relationship (β=0.167, p=0.005) were significant positive associated factors of preparedness, while caregiver burden (β=−0.211, p=0.021) and receipt of caregiving training (β=−0.237, p<0.001) were significant negative associated factors of preparedness. Preparedness for caregiving among Malaysian stroke caregivers is multidimensional, influenced by personal, relational, and caregiving factors. Beyond skills, preparedness reflects culturally embedded family roles and role acceptance. The findings underscore the need for preparedness assessment and interventions across the stroke care continuum to support sustainable family-based care.

Keywords: Caregivers, caregiver burden, cross-sectional, preparedness for caregiving, stroke