Syifara Diantika, Putri Saraya, Muliati Yati

Family support and hygiene practices in elderly stroke survivors: A study in Aceh

Introduction

Family support and hygiene practices in elderly stroke survivors: a study in aceh. Explore how family support impacts hygiene practices in elderly stroke survivors in Aceh. Study reveals positive correlation, with instrumental support being key for improved personal hygiene.

Abstract

Background: Stroke significantly impacts elderly individuals’ ability to perform daily activities, including personal hygiene, which is critical for physical health and psychological well-being. In Aceh, Indonesia, family support plays a pivotal role in caregiving, influenced by strong cultural and religious norms. Purpose: This study aims to examine the relationship between family support and personal hygiene practices among elderly stroke survivors in Aceh, exploring how different types of family support influence hygiene outcomes in this unique cultural context. Methods: A cross-sectional correlational design was employed, involving 88 elderly stroke survivors recruited through purposive sampling from healthcare and community settings in Aceh. Data on family support (emotional, instrumental, and informational) and personal hygiene practices were collected using structured questionnaires. Analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and regression analysis to identify associations between variables. Results: The findings indicate that higher levels of family support are positively correlated with improved personal hygiene practices (r = 0.65, p < 0.01). Emotional, instrumental, and informational support emerged as significant predictors of hygiene outcomes, with instrumental support showing the strongest impact (β = 0.45, p < 0.01). Additionally, demographic factors such as education level and socio-economic status were associated with variations in family support levels and hygiene practices. Conclusion: Family support, particularly instrumental assistance, is essential for promoting personal hygiene among elderly stroke survivors. Interventions to strengthen family caregiving capacities should consider Aceh’s socio-cultural dynamics and integrate community-based and educational programs to improve outcomes. These findings provide actionable insights for culturally sensitive stroke rehabilitation strategies in resource-limited settings.

Review

This manuscript presents a highly relevant and timely investigation into the critical role of family support in promoting personal hygiene among elderly stroke survivors in Aceh, Indonesia. The study appropriately identifies a significant gap in the literature by focusing on a vulnerable population within a specific cultural context where family caregiving is profoundly shaped by local norms. The background clearly articulates the importance of personal hygiene for overall well-being post-stroke and establishes the foundational understanding of family support in Aceh. The stated purpose is well-defined, aiming to dissect the relationship between various types of family support and hygiene outcomes, thereby promising nuanced insights into culturally sensitive care strategies. Methodologically, the study employed a suitable cross-sectional correlational design, utilizing structured questionnaires to gather data from a reasonably sized sample of 88 elderly stroke survivors through purposive sampling. This approach allows for the identification of associations, which aligns with the stated objective of examining relationships. The statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and regression analysis, are appropriate for exploring the associations and predictive factors. The results are compelling, demonstrating a strong positive correlation between family support and improved personal hygiene (r = 0.65, p < 0.01). Crucially, the study effectively differentiates the impact of emotional, instrumental, and informational support, highlighting instrumental support as the most potent predictor (β = 0.45, p < 0.01), which is a key actionable insight. The consideration of demographic factors further enriches the findings. While providing valuable insights, the cross-sectional design inherently limits the ability to infer causality, suggesting a need for longitudinal studies to observe changes over time. Additionally, the reliance on self-reported data, though practical, may introduce some level of social desirability bias. Nevertheless, the conclusions drawn are robust and directly actionable, particularly emphasizing the need for interventions that strengthen family caregiving capacities and integrate community-based and educational programs tailored to Aceh’s unique socio-cultural dynamics. The study makes a significant contribution to the fields of gerontology, stroke rehabilitation, and public health, offering practical guidance for developing culturally sensitive interventions in resource-limited settings and paving the way for further research into the long-term impacts of such support.

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