Presenter(s): Kayla Davis—Communication Disorders and Sciences
Faculty Mentor(s): Samantha Shune
Session 1: Human Behavior—I am Who I Am
Previous studies have shown a link between survivors’ stroke severity and family caregiver burden, however other factors may contribute to this burden . Burden specific to post-stroke dysphagia and the consequences of incongruence between care recipient and care partner in their perception of the impacts of the care recipient’s dysphagia are potential variables that are unexplored . The present study aimed to determine the role of partner congruence of the perceived mealtime impacts of post- stroke dysphagia on caregiver burden . Twenty-seven spousal dyads consisting of a stroke survivor experiencing post-stroke dysphagia and their spousal caregiver were surveyed concerning their perceptions of the logistical and social impacts of dysphagia on mealtimes and stroke and dysphagia severity . Dyadic congruence in perceptions of mealtime logistical impacts, but not mealtime social impacts, was associated with increased caregiver burden . Additionally, increased survivor dysphagia severity and caregivers’ perceived mealtime logistical impacts were also associated with increased caregiver burden . These results can guide speech-language pathologists and other health professionals in their interventions for clients with dysphagia and their families .