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Stroke survivors’ perceptions of living with disability in urban Ghana- a qualitative study

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Stroke prevalence is one of the most pressing issues in many sub-Saharan African countries. Stroke survivors often face disabilities, mental health problems, and experience stigma. Research on post-stroke experiences and interventions is limited, particularly in low and middle-income countries, including Ghana. This study aims to contribute to this gap by investigating experiences of everyday life following a stroke in urban Ghana. METHOD: A qualitative in-depth study involving 14 interviews with stroke survivors who attended physiotherapy at Accra Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic. Qualitative analysis was conducted to analyse the data. RESULTS: Data analysis generated four themes; [1] Mobility limitations; [2] Psychosocial burden [3] Employment Limitations [4] Financial burden. CONCLUSION: Stroke survivors with disabilities perceive themselves as non-functional members of society, which limits their options for a normal life and undermines their well-being. A more in-depth understanding of these issues can contribute to strategies, interventions, and policies that address these problems.

Source: BMC Public Health

DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-21030-6

Authors: Petter Persson, Anna Hughton, Sibylle Herzig van Wees

Institutions: Uppsala University, University of Ghana, Karolinska Institutet

Language: English

Topic: Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery

Subfield: Rehabilitation

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,190