Post-Stroke Experiences and Rehabilitation Needs of Community-Dwelling Chinese Stroke Survivors: A Qualitative Study

Janita Pak Chun Chau, Suzanne Hoi Shan Lo (), Laveeza Butt and Surui Liang
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Janita Pak Chun Chau: Faculty of Medicine, Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
Suzanne Hoi Shan Lo: Faculty of Medicine, Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
Laveeza Butt: Faculty of Medicine, Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
Surui Liang: Faculty of Medicine, Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 23, 1-13

Abstract: Stroke survivors encounter significant limitations in daily life activities and face increased risk of health complications such as stroke recurrence. Considering the escalating demand for personalised community rehabilitation services, this qualitative study was conducted to understand the current recovery experiences, needs, and expectations of community-dwelling stroke survivors. Fifty stroke survivors were recruited from two tertiary teaching hospitals and community centres in two provinces in mainland China. Semi-structured interviews were carried out, and participants were asked to describe their experiences of stroke, current lifestyles, exercise habits, and rehabilitation needs and expectations. Resulting data were thematically analysed. The majority of participants were first-time stroke survivors (80%) and lived with their family or caregivers (92%). Four main themes and twelve sub-themes emerged from the data: (1) shifts in social life, (2) shaken sense of self and perceived helplessness, (3) complex rehabilitation needs, and (4) perceptions and patterns of physical activity. Findings suggest that though survivors recognised their need for further rehabilitation, their demands remained unmet due to a combination of personal and external factors such as limited mobility and the absence of supportive companions and accessible facilities. The enhancement and diversification of home rehabilitation strategies are therefore necessary to make community rehabilitation more accessible and equitable.

Keywords: stroke; post-stroke rehabilitation; exercise; physical activity; quality of life; qualitative (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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