Abstract:

Background: Stroke is sudden death of some brain cells due to lack of oxygen when blood flow to brain is lost by blockage or rupture of an artery to the brain. Worldwide stroke is the second leading cause of death and third leading cause of disability. Globally, 70% of strokes and 87% of both stroke-related deaths and disability-adjusted life years occur in low- and middle-income countries. Despite its enormous impact on countries’ socio-economic development, this growing crisis has received very little attention to date, to prevent complication to stroke survivor’s early interventions are required and lifelong home care is of greater importance.

Objective: The main objective was to assess the knowledge and practice of caregivers regarding home-based care of stroke patients attending Bugando Medical Centre (BMC), Mwanza

Methodology: A Cross-sectional study design was carried out among caregivers on home-based care of stroke survivors. A structured questionnaire was used to assess knowledge and practice and obtained data was analyzed using SSPS statistical 20 programs.

Results: The study involved 100 home-based care givers comprising of 57 % female, 58% of participants were ranging from 30-50 years those with primary level education were 57% where by 61% were given health education prior discharge. Overall knowledge regarding home-based care among home-based care givers was 69% had average knowledge while 74% had poor practice regarding home-based care of stroke survivors.

Conclusion. The results showed that 69 % of home caregivers were having average knowledge regarding home-based care of stroke patient and 74 % had poor practices regarding caring of stroke patients.