EVALUATION OF THE INFORMAL CAREGIVER BURDEN IN THE CARE OF STROKE PATIENTS AT KENYATTA NATIONAL HOSPITAL
L. Mahinda, **E. Amayo, J. Kwasa University of Nairobi, College of Health Sciences Kenyatta National hospital Nairobi
Background
Most stroke survivors return home after discharge and the burden of caring for them falls on their families. These informal caregivers have higher risks of mental and physical illnesses. 
Objective: To determine the level of informal caregiver burden of stroke patients at Kenyatta National Hospital(KNH).
Material and methods
This was a cross sectional study at the KNH Neurology clinic physiotherapy unit and medical wards. 135 Informal Care givers identified in the clinic and the wards were interviewed with pretested questionnaire. Informal caregiver burden was evaluated using ZBI questionnaire and depression using PHQ9 Test Questionnaire, 
Results: Their mean age was 36.2 years with 54.5% females. The stroke caregivers were: adult offspring 50.7%, spouses 24.1% and siblings 13.8%. 47.6% of the care givers had moderate to severe depression. The level of informal caregiver burden was found to be moderate in 58.6% (CI 50.3%-66%). The major factors that contributed to burden were financial, social and psychological. The caregiver factors were daughters, being employed, shorter duration of care giving and depression. The patient factors were higher levels of disability, shorter duration of stroke, lack of health insurance and  single. There was little preparation of caregivers prior to discharge 
Conclusion:. There is need to institute measures for preparation and support of caregivers .