Schwertfeger JL, Miller SA, Jordan M, Jordan D, Schneider KL. A 3-day 'stroke camp' addressed chronic disease self-management elements and perceived stress of survivors of stroke and their caregivers reduced: Survey results from the 14 US camps.
Top Stroke Rehabil 2024;
31:1-10. [PMID:
37004716 DOI:
10.1080/10749357.2023.2196468]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Stroke is a leading cause of disability for persons with stroke (PWS). Difficulty coping with long-term stress for PWS and their caregivers (CG) contributes to their poor health. Variations of chronic-disease self-management programs (CDSMPs) have reduced long-term stress in PWS and CGs. CDSMPs include training for decision-making, problem-solving, resource utilization, peer support, developing a patient-provider relationship, and environmental support.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined whether a user-designed stroke camp addressed CDSMP domains, used consistent activities, and decreased stress in PWS and CG.
METHODS
This open cohort survey study followed STROBE guidelines and assessed stress at four timepoints: 1 week before camp, immediately before camp, immediately after camp, and 1 month after camp. Mixed-model analysis examined changes in stress from the two baseline time points to the two post-camp time points. The research team reviewed documents and survey responses to assess activities described in camp documents and CDSMP domains across camps.
POPULATION
PWS and CG who attended a camp in 2019. The PWS sample (n = 40) included50% males, aged 1-41-years post stroke, 60% with ischemic, one-third with aphasia, and 37.5% with moderate-severe impairment. CG sample (n = 24) was 60.8% female, aged 65.5 years, and had 7.4 years CG experience.
RESULTS
Stress decreased significantly in PWS (Cohen's d = -0.61) and CGs (Cohen's d = -0.87) from pre- to post-camp. Activities addressing all but one CDSMP domains were evident across camps.
CONCLUSIONS
Stroke camp is a novel model that addresses CDSMP domains, which may reduce stress in PWS and CG. Larger, controlled studies are warranted.
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