Impact of a family intervention package on self-efficacy among stroke caregivers: evidence from a Pilot Study

Abstract

Effectiveness of family intervention package on self-efficacy among caregivers of stroke patients at selected hospitals. Background: Stroke caregiving often imposes a substantial burden on families, frequently leading to psychological stress and reduced self-efficacy. Enhancing caregivers' confidence through structured interventions can significantly improve caregiving outcomes. Objective: To assess effectiveness of family intervention package on quality of life among caregivers of stroke patients at selected hospitals. Null Hypothesis: There is no significant effect of family intervention package on self-efficacy among caregivers of stroke patients. (at P= 0.05). Methods: A quasi-experimental, non-randomized pilot study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Maharashtra, India. Twenty caregivers were purposively sampled and divided into experimental (n=10) and control (n=10) groups. Self efficacy was assessed using structured self-efficacy scale. The experimental group received a structured intervention comprising stroke education, training on care of patients and self care, a caregiver manual, and telephonic follow-ups across 8 weeks. Self-efficacy was assessed at baseline, Day 15, Week 4, and Week 8 using a validated 30-item scale. Data were analysed using paired and independent t-tests in Python. Results: The experimental group showed a significant improvement in self-efficacy from a baseline mean of 73.8 ± 18.12 to 95.2 ± 12.52 at Week 8 (t = -7.11, p < 0.001). In contrast, the control group showed only a modest increase from 74.7 ± 11.95 to 79.9 ± 8.31. A statistically significant difference in self-efficacy scores was observed between the experimental and control groups at Week 8, favouring the experimental group (t = 3.21, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The structured family intervention package was effective in enhancing caregiver self-efficacy. Incorporating such interventions into clinical practice can strengthen caregivers' capacity to manage stroke-related care, ultimately benefiting both caregivers and patients.