A study on the common behavioral problems of patients suffering from cerebrovascular accident at DLSUMC-DPMR as encountered by their spouses

Date of Completion

2001

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy

Keywords

Stroke, Psychology

Abstract

Spouse-patient relationship is essential in the Physical Therapy program. However, a patient suffering from CVA exhibits a lot of behavioral problem with can affect his relationship as well as his progress. Thus , this prompted the researcher to conduct a study on the most common behavioral problems of patients suffering from cerebrovascular accident at DLSUMC-DPMR as encountered by their spouses. This study aims to identify the three most common behavioral problems encountered by spouses of patients suffering from CVA, to correlate the relationship of these problems as to patients age and occupation. the descriptive type of research design was utilized in this study and was conducted at DLSUMC-DPMR. Out of 40 active/ inactive CVA patients, 32 met the inclusion criteria and all 32 patients were included in the study or 100% of the target population. Data gathered through questionnaires. The results of this study showed that majority of the 32 CVA patients fall between the 61-70 age group. Most of the patients were male, and greater than half of the population were unemployed. The three most common behavioral problems were depression, followed by anxiety and mood swing. The patients age, sex and occupation were all independent of his behavioral problems. The authors therefore conclude that the most common behavioral problem encountered by spouses of CVA patients were depression, anxiety and mood swings, and that these problems have no relation to patients age ,sex and occupation. The authors would like to recommend that follow-up studies be done regarding this research and include the etiology, affected hemisphere, stage of recovery and length of time post-stroke. A greater number of subjects and more rehabilitation centers may be used to ensure more reliable results. Future researchers may also conducted a focus group discussion aside from the one-on-one interview and use of questionnaire/ > Since no association can be found between a patients behavioral problems and his age, sex and occupation the author suggest that regardless of the said variables, behavioral problems such as depression should be detected or noticed, and if possible, dealt with as early as possible. Spouses should try to understand that the changes in the patients behavior are bought about by the disease itself and they should therefore be more patient in dealing with them. They should try to be more sensitive to the different needs of the patients, be open-minded and supportive of the patient. To be Physician Therapist, educate the spouses and explain the reasons of such behavioral problems in way such as Focus Group Discussion or even during the treatment time and that they refer the patient to an expert in behavioral problem such as psychologist/ psychiatrist when needed.

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