Assessment of Perceived Social support of Caregivers of patients with Stroke

Stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. This study has been conducted to assess the perceived social support of caregivers of patients with stroke. The objectives of the study were to assess the perceived social support of caregivers of patients with stroke, associate the selected demographic variables with perceived social support of caregivers of patients with stroke and to design a social support package for caregivers of patients with stroke. Quantitative research approach, descriptive research design was used for the study. Hundred samples were selected by convenience sampling technique. Perceived social support of caregivers was done by using perceived social support scale. The collected data were analysed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results of the study showed that 14% of caregivers had very low perceived social support, 75% had low perceived social support and 11% had medium support. The perceived social support was assessed under the main four areas like physical, emotional, financial and informational support. While considering the physical aspect 39% of caregivers had very low physical support, 36% had low physical support 14% had medium support and 11% had high physical support. With respect to the emotional support 12% had very low support, 73% had low support and 15% had medium support. With regard to the financial support 50% had very low, 36% had low and 14% had medium support. Among the caregivers 15% had very low, 33% had low, 13% had medium and only 1% had high support in informational aspects. Thus, it can be concluded that the majority of the caregivers of patients with stroke were getting low social support.