Effects of Trajectory-based Support Via WeChat in Reducing Burden and Depression among Carers of People after Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

The lack of preparation among carers in providing care for survivors of stroke leads to increased caregiver burden and depression. Studies on trajectory-based support addressing phase-specific needs for essential knowledge and skills to support caregiving preparedness are limited. This randomized controlled trial involved eighty participants from a Chinese tertiary hospital, randomly assigned to an experimental or control group (n = 40 each). The experimental participants received the 9-weeks of five sessions that included informational, emotional, instrumental, and appraisal support combined with trajectory-based support conducted via the WeChat platform. The control group received only usual care. Caregiver burden and depression were assessed at pre-test before the intervention and post-test at the end of the program. Instruments used to collect the data were a demographic questionnaire, the Chinese version of the Zarit Burden Interview, and the Chinese version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired and independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney U test, and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test. The results indicated that after the program, the experimental group had significantly lower mean scores of caregiver burden and depression compared to before the program and the control group. However, no statistical differences were observed in the control group between pre- and post-test depression scores. These findings suggest that enhancing care preparedness through the trajectory-based support program reduces caregiver burden and depression among carers of people with stroke in China. Therefore, nurses can utilize trajectory-based support via WeChat to alleviate caregiver burden and depression in this population. However, further testing in other settings is necessary before widespread implementation.