Perceived stress of African American family caregivers of stroke survivors

Stroke survivor caregivers often interact with loved ones who have severe physical as well as emotional deficits. According to Pierce, Finn, and Steiner (2004), increasing numbers of stroke survivors, the largest patient population living with long-term disabilities in the United States, are living in the home environment. More than 50% of stroke survivors who were recent stroke victims received care by family members in the home setting between the years 2006 and 2012 (Pierce et al., 2004). Stroke continues to be more common for African Americans than for any other ethnic or racial group in the United States (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2012). In order to understand the needs of this population, a quantitative study was conducted to examine African American family caregivers of stroke survivors and their caregiving experiences.;A sample of African American participants (N = 38) from rural communities in the southeastern region of North Carolina participated in the study. The Neuman Systems Model (Neuman & Fawcett, 2002) was used to guide the study, and an adapted version of Pearlin's Caregiving and Stress Process Tool was used to identify and measure stressful situations occurring in the family system. Interrelationships of physiological, psychological, sociocultural, developmental, and spiritual variables were examined to determine the caregivers' responses to environmental stressors. Data were analyzed using SPSS.;The study revealed there continues to be a lack of adequate assistance and support for African American family caregivers. Participants in the study verbalized they were given little to no assistance and support from professionals or family members. Implications for nursing are there is a need to develop intervention family care plans to assist families with managing stressors that have the potential to create family instability.