Level and factors associated with caregiving preparedness and sense of competence among family caregivers of stroke patients at Cho Ray Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Readiness and awareness of caregiving capacity among caregivers, who are family members, play a crucial role in the care and support of stroke patients. Lack of preparation and inadequate perception of caregiving capacity often increase physical, psychological, and social burdens, whereas adequate readiness and proper awareness enhance the effectiveness and confidence in performing caregiving roles. Objectives: To determine the median scores of caregiving preparedness,  perceived caregiving competence, and the associated factors among family caregivers of stroke patients treated at Cho Ray Hospital. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study with analytical components was conducted on 180 caregivers living with stroke patients admitted to the Neurology Department of Cho Ray Hospital. Data were collected via structured interviews from January to April 2025. Results: The median caregivers’ score was 43.5 years (range: 36.5-51.0), 68.2% were female, and 59.4% had an educational level of lower secondary school or below. The median caregiving preparedness score was 25.0 (range: 16.0-32.0), and the median perceived caregiving competence score was 88.0 (range: 82.0–97.0). Education level, income, religion, employment status, relationship to the patient, prior caregiving training, and caregiving rotation time were significantly associated with caregiving preparedness (p < 0.05). Additionally, religion, employment status, caregiving training, and caregiving rotation time were significantly associated with perceived caregiving competence (p < 0.05). Additionally, religion, employment status, caregiving training, and frequency of caregiving shifts were significantly related to caregiving capacity awareness (p< 0.05). Conclusions: Caregiver readiness and awareness of caregiving capacity were at moderate levels. Education, religion, employment status, and caregiving shift frequency were significantly correlated with both readiness and caregiving capacity awareness. Notably, nurses should prioritize guidance and counseling on caregiving methods and patient support to enhance caregivers’ readiness, awareness, and confidence.