Oral Presentation Smart Strokes Annual Scientific Meeting 2025

‘Learning how to prioritise myself and still cook dinner’: Female carers of stroke survivors’ perspectives on a program to support their cardiovascular and mental health. (127644)

Kirsti Haracz 1 2 , Katrina Kenah 1 3 4 , Jackson Newberry-Dupe 5 , Dawn Simpson 1 2 , Marie-Louise Bird 6 , Coralie Propperjohn 1 , Alexandra Denham 1 , Neil Spratt 1 2 7 , Billie Bonevski 8 , Heidi Janssen 1 2
  1. College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
  2. Heart and Stroke Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
  3. Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  4. LaTrobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
  5. School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  6. Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Federation University, Gippsland, VIC, Australia
  7. Department of Neurology, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
  8. Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia

 

Introduction:

Two-thirds of stroke survivors rely on informal carers, most of whom are female, for everyday support. Female caregivers experience mental and physical health impacts that elevate their risk of developing cardiovascular disease. A key carer identified unmet need is limited access to information and support that targets their own health and wellbeing. This study is the first step in co-designing a program that targets the cardiovascular and mental health of female carers of stroke survivors. We aimed to explore carer priorities and preferences for the proposed program.

 

Methods:

We conducted three focus groups with a total of 15 female carers of stroke survivors, to determine their priorities and preferences for design of a program to improve the cardiovascular and mental health of female carers. The transcribed focus group discussions were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis and draft themes reviewed by participants before being finalised.

 

Results:

Analysis produced three themes, highlighting key challenges participants faced as carers and corresponding priorities for program design. My time is precious described carers’ experiences of limited time and competing priorities; emphasising that the program would need to ‘feel’ important to carers and accommodate their caring responsibilities. It’s hard to prioritise myself described the participants’ need to prioritise the person with stroke and engage in health behaviours they know are beneficial. Finally, participants identified that Peer support is vital for emotional support and navigating a challenging role and should be facilitated in a safe and inclusive environment.

 

Conclusion:

Participants saw value in the ability to access a program which empowered them to manage their own health without compromising their caring commitments.

 

Relevance to Clinical Practice:

Female carers may prioritise engagement in health promotion interventions if they perceive the intervention to be worthwhile, and it’s design allows them to participate without compromising their caring responsibilities.