Family resilience, patient‐reported symptoms in young stroke dyads: The effect of caregiver readiness and social support
Authors: Wang Huijuan , Zhu Lili , Cao Wen , Yang Weihong , Gao Yutong , Yao Guiying , Zhang Huimin , Li Genqiang 
Published: February 2024

Aims and Objectives

To investigate empirically the direct effect and potential mechanism of family resilience on patient‐reported outcomes among young stroke dyads in China.

Background

Young patients with stroke have been becoming an important public health issue. According to relevant theories and previous studies, we found that family resilience might play an important role in patient's symptoms. However, it is less clear about the specific relationship and potential mechanisms of these two variables.

Design

We used a prospective cross‐sectional design.

Methods

A multi‐item questionnaire was used to assess the constructs of interest. Researchers progressively constructed and validated conditional process models. The PROCESS macro was used to verify the research hypotheses.

Results

A total of 560 questionnaires were collected in this study. We found that family resilience of stroke patients and their spouses had a direct effect on the physical, psychological and social aspects of patient‐reported symptoms. We further revealed that caregiver preparedness partially mediated the relationship between family resilience and patient's symptoms in stroke patient‐spouse dyads, while perceived social support moderated the relationship between caregiver preparedness and patient's symptoms. Finally, we observed that the impact of caregiver readiness and social support on patients' symptoms predominantly manifested in physical and physiological outcomes.

Conclusions

Our research provides evidence about the positive impact of family resilience on patient‐reported symptoms in young stroke dyads. Meanwhile, it further revealed how caregiver preparedness and perceived social support may play out in the relationship.

Practice Implications

Our research introduces a novel perspective and pathway to enhance short‐term recovery outcomes for patients. It also furnishes clinicians and nurses with evidence to guide the implementation of interventions aimed at improving patient health outcomes and facilitating smoother transitions from the hospital to home.

Impact

What problem did the study address?

Families play a crucial role in a patient's recovery process from illness, with family resilience serving as an important force for families to overcome adversity. However, the impact on patient symptoms and the underlying mechanisms of this relationship are uncertain. Empirical research is required to validate these aspects.

What were the main findings?

Family resilience has a positive impact on the physical, psychological and social aspects of patient‐reported symptoms in young stroke dyads. Both the actor effect and partner effect are supported. The impact of caregiver readiness and social support on patient‐reported symptoms is primarily observed in physical and physiological outcomes.

Where and on whom will the research have an impact?

This study offers a novel approach to enhance the short‐term recovery of stroke patients. The researchers believe that the findings of this study will play an even more significant role during patients' transition from the hospital to home.

Reporting Method

This study followed the STROBE statement of cross‐sectional studies.

Patient or Public Contribution

The study was conducted by patients, their spouses, healthcare professionals and the research team.