An exploratory concurrent mixed method study on family caregivers of stroke patients: examining factors related to long-term care use

Objectives: The purposes of this exploratory concurrent mixed methods study were to explore the factors related to Bangladeshi stroke patients’ long -term care use from family caregivers’ perspectives; and to gain in-depth understanding of Bangladeshi family caregivers’ experience of stroke patients long-term care use. Methods: Based on Anderson’s health care utilization model, a purposive sampling method by self-administered questionnaire with 171 Bangladeshi family caregivers, and 15 family caregivers of discharged stroke patients’ face-to-face interview done for in-depth understanding. A joint display process used to integrate quantitative and qualitative data.Results: LTC services that never used by the stroke patients was case management (99.41%) and the highest number of LTC was transportation services (92.99%). Bivariate correlation analysis found that insurance status, ADL and caregivers’ education were significantly associated with LTC use. However, overall 75.44% of the caregivers were not completely satisfied with hospital based long-term care use because of some unexpected circumstances like health care providers behavior. Additionally, family caregivers shared experiences, and expectation of hospital based long-term care use. The interviewed data led to four emergent themes. Regarding the use of hospital based care, children availability; household income, homeownership and single caregiving status were important indicators.Conclusion: Ensuring LTC service for the stroke patients strategies should develop. Family caregivers might train to meet the physical needs of stroke at home. However, to ensure quality long-term care, separate ward for stroke patients, health care providers’ availability, and ensuring accountability suggested.