Rhoda A1, Groenewaldt R2
1University of the Western Cape, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, Bellville, South Africa, 2University of Western Cape, Physiotherapy, Bellville, South Africa
Background: A number of environmental factors can affect a patient with stroke's social
Participation, with the barriers experienced limiting their reintegration and having an impact on the patient's overall experience of their stroke. One further factor that has a significant influence on a patient's experience post stroke is their cultural identity as discussed in the following literature. Attitudes of society, as well as practices and ideologies are central environmental barriers to patients with stroke in rural areas Additionally societal perceptions, practices and ideologies form the basis of cultural beliefs; which define who people are, how they experience the world, and how they behave in certain situations are also aspects that influences individuals living with long-term conditions such as a stroke. It is therefore clear that patients with a stroke experience a number of challenges which impact them. These challenges could be further impacted by socio-economic status.
Purpose: The aim of the study was to explore the lived experiences of individuals post stroke living in low socio-economic societies.
Methods: A qualitative approach applying a phenomenological inquiry was used to explore the participants experiences of living with a stroke. In-depth interviews were conducted with five purposively selected individuals who had experienced a stroke and were living at home. The participants who lived in semi-urban areas and was from low income families. Data was collected via an audio recording device. The audio recorded data was transcribed verbatim by an independent transcriber. Trustworthiness was ensured through member checking. Additionally the transcripts and themes that arose were peer reviewed. Inductive analysis was applied using Braun and Clark six stage method.
Results: The themes that arose from the analysis of the data can be expressed on a trajectory. This trajectory includes reflecting on the past and taking control of the future. In the first theme the participants reflected on their lives prior to their stroke where they expressed having active lifestyles. In the second theme that arose the participants further reflected on their experiences at time of stroke which was expressed as stroke being a traumatic event. The third and final theme highlighted how the participants managed their condition and aspects which were highlighted within this theme included confidence, positivity and resilience.
Conclusion(s): Although patients with stroke reflect on stroke as a traumatic condition, with these individuals reflecting on their lives before their stroke, a sense of taking control of their situation post stroke does occur.
Implications: As rehabilitation post stroke should be patient-centred, the experiences of patients with stroke should be taken into consideration as we set rehabilitation goals with these patients.
Keywords: Stroke, Experiences, Phenomenological
Funding acknowledgements: National Research Foundation
Participation, with the barriers experienced limiting their reintegration and having an impact on the patient's overall experience of their stroke. One further factor that has a significant influence on a patient's experience post stroke is their cultural identity as discussed in the following literature. Attitudes of society, as well as practices and ideologies are central environmental barriers to patients with stroke in rural areas Additionally societal perceptions, practices and ideologies form the basis of cultural beliefs; which define who people are, how they experience the world, and how they behave in certain situations are also aspects that influences individuals living with long-term conditions such as a stroke. It is therefore clear that patients with a stroke experience a number of challenges which impact them. These challenges could be further impacted by socio-economic status.
Purpose: The aim of the study was to explore the lived experiences of individuals post stroke living in low socio-economic societies.
Methods: A qualitative approach applying a phenomenological inquiry was used to explore the participants experiences of living with a stroke. In-depth interviews were conducted with five purposively selected individuals who had experienced a stroke and were living at home. The participants who lived in semi-urban areas and was from low income families. Data was collected via an audio recording device. The audio recorded data was transcribed verbatim by an independent transcriber. Trustworthiness was ensured through member checking. Additionally the transcripts and themes that arose were peer reviewed. Inductive analysis was applied using Braun and Clark six stage method.
Results: The themes that arose from the analysis of the data can be expressed on a trajectory. This trajectory includes reflecting on the past and taking control of the future. In the first theme the participants reflected on their lives prior to their stroke where they expressed having active lifestyles. In the second theme that arose the participants further reflected on their experiences at time of stroke which was expressed as stroke being a traumatic event. The third and final theme highlighted how the participants managed their condition and aspects which were highlighted within this theme included confidence, positivity and resilience.
Conclusion(s): Although patients with stroke reflect on stroke as a traumatic condition, with these individuals reflecting on their lives before their stroke, a sense of taking control of their situation post stroke does occur.
Implications: As rehabilitation post stroke should be patient-centred, the experiences of patients with stroke should be taken into consideration as we set rehabilitation goals with these patients.
Keywords: Stroke, Experiences, Phenomenological
Funding acknowledgements: National Research Foundation
Topic: Neurology: stroke; Neurology
Ethics approval required: Yes
Institution: University of the Western Cape
Ethics committee: Biomedical Science Research Ethics Committee
Ethics number: BM/16/3/20
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
