Burden of informal caregiving for stroke survivors in the Philippines: a cross-sectional survey of sociodemographic and caregiving factors

Purpose Stroke imposes significant burden on informal caregivers (ICs) in the Philippines, yet factors associated with caregiver strain remain unclear. This study examined sociodemographic and caregiving factors associated with burden among stroke ICs.Materials and methods A cross-sectional survey of 462 Filipino ICs collected sociodemographic characteristics, caregiver responsibilities and strain using the Modified Caregiver Strain Index-Filipino (MCSI-F). Data were analyzed using chi-square tests and ordinal logistic regression.Results Caregivers were predominantly female (75.3%), spouses/partners (47.8%), and economically disadvantaged (66.9%). Median MCSI-F score was 22 (IQR = 8), indicating no burden, while 11.9% reported severe strain. In the multivariable ordinal logistic regression model, work interference showed the strongest adjusted association with higher burden severity (aOR = 5.38, p < 0.001), followed by spousal relationship (aOR = 2.10, p = 0.028); male sex was protective (aOR = 0.34, p < 0.001), and providing 6 h/day) was associated with lower burden (aOR = 0.17, p = 0.004). Age, income, employment status, education, religion, and urban–rural residence were not significant after adjustment. Parallel lines held (p = 0.765), and Nagelkerke’s R2 was 0.231.Conclusions Filipino stroke ICs experience substantial strain primarily driven by work interference and intensive caregiving hours, with spouses and female caregivers disproportionately affected. Interventions should prioritize employment support for female spouses providing prolonged daily care.Implications for rehabilitationInformal caregivers of stroke survivors in the Philippines experience substantial burden, particularly when caregiving interferes with employment and requires intensive daily commitment.Female spouses providing prolonged daily care represent a particularly vulnerable group requiring targeted support from rehabilitation services.Rehabilitation teams should routinely assess caregiver work disruption and daily care hours as part of comprehensive stroke care planning.Employment-focused interventions, such as flexible appointment scheduling and liaison with employers, should be integrated into community-based rehabilitation programs to reduce work-care conflict.Rehabilitation professionals should prioritize training family caregivers in strategies that promote survivor independence and reduce intensive care demands over time.