Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Coping with disabilities after stroke in midlife can be challenging, with potential gender differences that may have implications for quality of life (QoL) and support. This study aimed to explore QoL and resilience among midlife stroke survivors from a gender perspective. Methods: -tests and chi-square tests. Additionally, eight semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted, with equal representation of men and women. Qualitative content analysis was used to explore deeper and capture nuanced insights. Results: The quantitative analysis revealed no statistically significant gender differences. However, the qualitative data revealed three central themes: (1) "A Forced Lifestyle Change," (2) "Lack of Understanding and Support," and (3) "Importance of Independence and Coping Strategies." Men talked about feelings of being restricted in their post-stroke lives and expressed a greater need for support from healthcare providers, family, and friends. In contrast, women described having more well-developed coping strategies and reported a higher perceived QoL. Conclusion: Qualitative findings suggest men may face greater challenges in adapting to post stroke life. The result suggests that men struggle with accepting limitations that prevent them from participating in social contexts and require more support from healthcare services. These difficulties, potentially due to less effective coping mechanisms, may result in a lower QoL. Gender-sensitive interventions addressing these needs could improve QoL and adaptation.
Source: Frontiers in Neurology
Language: English
Subfield: Rehabilitation
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
Funder: STROKE-Riksförbundet
OpenAlex ID: W4413985135