Positive and negative experiences of caregivers of spinal cord injury patients

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to identify positive and negative experiences of caregivers of spinal cord injury patients. A self-reported survey was conducted using selfdeveloped questionnaire. The sample comprised of (N=68) caregivers of spinal cord injury patients with age range of 18-56 years who have been providing support to their care recipients for at least one year. Frequencies, Crosstabs and Pearson correlation was examined to explore the socio-demographic characteristics as well as positive and negative experiences of these caregivers and their association. Care recipient’s medications, treatment and need of resources for an adaptive environment increase the financial burden on their caregivers. Financial strain, leaving education, jobs and social life were some common shared experiences amongst these participants. Majority reported being strained, isolated, uncertain and hopeless yet they expect the reward in this life and hereafter for their services. The study finding suggests that to sustain informal care efforts should be made not only to reduce caregiver’s negative experiences, but also to enhance their positive experiences to have a sustaining effect on caregiving.