Grace Vincent-Onabajo
1*, Helen Daniel
1, Aliyu Lawan
1, Muhammad Usman Ali
1, Mamman Ali Masta
1, Ali Modu
11 Department of Medical Rehabilitation (Physiotherapy), College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria
Abstract
Introduction: Caring for stroke survivors may be burdensome with adverse consequences
on caregivers’ physical health. This study examined the prevalence of
musculoskeletal symptoms and associated factors among family caregivers of
stroke survivors in Nigeria.
Methods: A
hospital-based cross-sectional study involving 90 stroke caregiver and stroke
survivor dyads was conducted. Data on the participants’ demographics and
post-stroke duration were obtained. Seven-day prevalence of musculoskeletal
symptoms among the caregivers and level of stroke survivors’ disability were
respectively assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and
Modified Rankin Scale. Prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms was presented as
percentages while participants’ characteristics associated with prevalence of
musculoskeletal symptoms were examined using inferential statistics.
Results: Mean (SD) age of caregivers and stroke
survivors was 33.2 (10.7) years and 58.9 (9.7) years respectively. Majority of
the caregivers were females (61.1%), and children of the stroke survivors
(58.9%). Prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms was 82.2%. The low back was the
most affected body region (72.2%) followed by the upper back (40%) while
musculoskeletal symptoms in the wrist was least prevalent (3.3%). Female
caregivers, caregivers of female stroke survivors and spousal caregivers had
significantly higher prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms compared to other
categories of caregivers. Only 5 (5.6%) caregivers had however received any
training on safe care giving methods while only 21 (28.4%) caregivers with
musculoskeletal symptoms had received treatment.
Conclusion: With the
high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among family caregivers of stroke
survivors, effective preventive strategies including training and education as
well as timely access to treatment would be required.