The influence of caregiver preparedness, perceived social support and general self-efficacy on self-contribution among stroke caregivers: a cross-sectional study
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Caregivers' self-care contributions are crucial for enhancing stroke patients' self-care capabilities, and patients receiving family support often demonstrate higher treatment adherence. Although it is widely recognized that caregivers' preparedness to provide care positively influences self-care contributions, the underlying mechanisms of this association remain unclear. This study aims to explore the mechanisms through which caregiver preparedness, perceived social support, and general self-efficacy influence caregiver readiness and self-care contribution among stroke caregivers in the contemporary Chinese context. Aim: Based on the Individual and Family Self-Management Theory (IFSMT) model, this study examined the effects of caregivers' caregiving preparedness, perceived social support, and general self-efficacy on their self-care contribution among stroke caregivers. Design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: Using convenience sampling, 277 stroke caregivers from four tertiary Grade A hospitals in Xiangxi, Hunan Province, China were surveyed with paper-based questionnaires during outpatient follow-up visits in July 2024. Data were analyzed using SPSS/AMOS for descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, multiple regression, and structural equation modeling with bootstrapping to test hypothesized relationships and mediation effects. Results: The self-care contribution was at a moderate level, showing significant positive correlations with caregiving preparedness, perceived social support, and general self-efficacy. Both perceived social support and general self-efficacy demonstrated partial mediating effects between caregiving preparedness and self-care contribution. Conclusion: Improving caregivers' self-care contribution requires focused attention on enhancing caregiving preparedness, perceived social support, and general self-efficacy. The study highlights the bridging role of perceived social support and general self-efficacy between preparedness and contribution. Clinical interventions should: ① strengthen preparedness through standardized training, ② build social support networks for psychological empowerment, and ③ employ motivational interviewing to boost self-efficacy, thereby establishing a virtuous cycle of "knowledge-resources-confidence".
Source: Frontiers in Public Health
Authors: Hui Teng, Zhou Tan, Mengni Zhen, Qingxia Shu
Institutions: Jishou University, Hunan University of Medicine
Language: English
Topic: Nursing care and research
Subfield: Pharmacy
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W4415234472