Published Paper Details:

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of death and long-term disability worldwide, with a rising burden in low- and middle-income countries like India. As medical advancements improve survival rates, the focus has increasingly shifted toward long-term rehabilitation and support. In this continuum of care, family caregivers play a pivotal yet often under-recognized role. The emotional, physical, and financial burden placed on caregivers can significantly influence not only their own well-being but also the functional recovery and quality of life of stroke survivors. Despite this, caregiver burden, awareness, and coping mechanisms remain under-researched, particularly in the Indian context. Objective: This review aimed to explore existing literature on caregiver burden, awareness of stroke-related care, and coping strategies among caregivers of stroke survivors. It also examined how these caregiver factors are associated with the functional independence and rehabilitation outcomes of stroke patients. Methodology: A comprehensive narrative review was conducted by systematically searching electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Scopus. A total of 112 records were identified, out of which 83 unique studies remained after duplicate removal. After title, abstract, and full-text screening, 10 studies meeting the inclusion criteria were selected and reviewed. These studies included cross-sectional surveys, prospective observational studies, and literature reviews assessing caregiver burden, awareness, coping strategies, and stroke patient outcomes. The selection process followed PRISMA guidelines to ensure transparency and rigor. Conclusion: This review highlights that caregivers of stroke survivors often experience moderate to severe burden, driven by emotional strain, time demands, and inadequate support systems. Awareness levels among caregivers were mostly average, indicating a need for structured educational programs to improve stroke-related knowledge and caregiving competencies. Coping strategies were found to be primarily emotion-focused, which may offer temporary relief but are insufficient in addressing long-term caregiver stress. Promoting functional independence in stroke survivors through rehabilitation can significantly reduce caregiver burden. Future efforts should prioritize caregiver-centered interventions, including education, psychosocial support, and policy-level recognition of caregivers as integral stakeholders in stroke care.