The effect of the support program on the resilience of female family caregivers of stroke patients: Randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Aim The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of a support program on the resilience of female family caregivers of stroke patients. Methods This is a randomized controlled trial. The sample consisted 70 female family caregivers (34 experimental, 36 control group). Data were collected three times (pretest–posttest, follow-up test). Data were collected using the demographical data form, the Family Index of Regenerativity and Adaptation-General. Results A significant difference was determined between the experimental and control group's follow-up test scores for relative and friend support, social support and family-coping coherence. A significant difference was determined between the experimental group's mean pretest, posttest and follow-up test scores in terms of family strain, relative and friend support, social support, family coping–coherence, family hardiness and family distress. Conclusions These results suggest that the Support Program contributes to the improvement of the components of resilience of family caregivers of stroke patients. © 2016 Elsevier Inc.