Study of Quality of Life, Stress, and Caregiver Burden in Stroke Patients and Their Caregivers in Switzerland

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the quality of life, stress levels, and caregiver burden in patients who have experienced a stroke and their caregivers. The study aims to identify factors affecting these aspects in both patients and their caregivers, comparing them to a group without stroke to establish a baseline. This observational study seeks to better understand how stroke impacts daily life and well-being in Switzerland, where stroke is a common cause of sudden life changes for patients and their relatives. Participants include stroke patients diagnosed with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, transient ischemic attack, or intracerebral hemorrhage, as well as their caregivers. A comparison group of individuals without recent stroke or disability is also included. Over a 12-month period, researchers will collect data at baseline, 3 months, and 12 months using questionnaires and biological samples such as hair for stress hormone analysis and blood tests. Both patients and caregivers will be assessed using various quality of life, stress, and neurological functioning measures. During the study, participants will complete questionnaires covering quality of life, anxiety, depression, caregiver burden, and other relevant factors. Biological markers including cortisol in hair, fasting glucose, lipid profiles, and thyroid hormone levels will be measured from blood samples. Clinical assessments such as neurological function and vital signs will also be performed. The main outcome is quality of life measured by the Short Form-36 questionnaire, tracked over time to understand changes after stroke events. The study will last up to 12 months with repeated assessments to monitor well-being and stress in stroke patient-caregiver pairs and controls.

Cerebrovascular Disease: Quality of Life (CODE: QoL)