Physio-Psycho-Social Interaction Mechanism in Dyadic Health of Young and Middle-Aged Stroke Survivors and Their Spousal Caregivers: A Longitudinal Observational Study Protocol

Authors

Dandan Xiang
Zhen-Xiang Zhang
Song Ge
Wen Na Wang
Bei-Lei Lin
Su-Yan Chen
Er-Feng Guo
Peng-Bo Zhang
Zhi-Wei Liu
Hui Li
Yong-Xia Mei

Publication Date

4-11-2023

Journal

BMJ Open

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years, stroke has become more common among young people. Stroke not only has a profound impact on patients' health but also incurs stress and health threats to their caregivers, especially spousal caregivers. Moreover, the health of stroke survivors and their caregivers is interdependent. To our knowledge, no study has explored dyadic health of young and middle-aged stroke survivors and their spousal caregivers from physiological, psychological and social perspectives. Therefore, this proposed study aims to explore the mechanism of how physiological, psychological and social factors affect dyadic health of young and middle-aged stroke survivors and their spousal caregivers. The findings of this study will provide implications for developing interventions to improve dyadic health of this growing population.

Methods and analyses: We will collect data from 57 dyads of young and middle-aged stroke survivors and their spousal caregivers during hospitalisation and at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after discharge. Questionnaires will be used to collect participants' demographic information, stress, depression, anxiety, benefit finding, social support, mutuality and quality of life. The following physiological reactions will be collected at baseline, including interleukin 6, tumour necrosis factor-alpha and salivary cortisol.

Ethics and dissemination: The study was approved by the ethics review committee of life sciences of Zhengzhou University (No. ZZUIRB2020-53). Prior to being enrolled in the study, participants will be given full and detailed information about the possible risks involved, the informed consent process, confidentiality, the study procedure and secure data storage. Participants will be guaranteed that they can withdraw from the study at any time without providing a reason or leading to any consequences. Both oral and written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. The findings of this proposed study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and academic conferences.

Keywords

Middle Aged, Humans, Adolescent, Caregivers, Quality of Life, Social Interaction, Adaptation, Psychological, Stroke, Survivors, Observational Studies as Topic

DOI

10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065767

PMID

37041051

PMCID

PMC10106025

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

4-11-2023

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Post-print

Published Open-Access

yes