Mental health and work overload in informal caregivers: a mixed-method study.

Introduction: Stroke is one of the most common causes of sequelae and disabilities worldwide. The sequelae often restrict performance of daily activities, requiring the help of caregivers. Objectives: To assess the mental health and work overload of caregivers of stroke survivors based on ergonomics activity analysis. Methods: This mixed methods study included 76 informal caregivers, 11 of whom also participated in a qualitative study phase. The Self-Reported Questionnaire-20 was used to investigate mental distress, while the Zarit Burden Interview scale was used to assess work overload. The qualitative phase included an interview. Results: The prevalences of mental distress and work overload were 44.7% and 64.5%, respectively, and they were strongly correlated (r = 0.707, p < 0.001). Caregiver distress was associated with comorbidities (p = 0.003) and illiterate patients (p = 0.04). No variables were associated with work overload. Qualitative ergonomics analysis resulted in two categories: (1) description of the work routine and (2) the physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion of caregivers. The quantitative data converged into two categories: description of the work routine and its effects on the lives of caregivers. Conclusions: the results indicate the need for structural changes in social and health programs for caregivers of stroke survivors.