Browsing by Author "Melkamu Derese"

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    Caregivers' Experience of Post-Stroke Patients With Swallowing Difficulties
    (Addis ababa Universty, 2026-03-20) Melkamu Derese; Tirussew Teferra
    This study aimed to comprehensively profile the specific swallowing difficulties encountered by stroke patients, as directly observed and reported by their primary caregivers, and to thoroughly document the profound lived experiences of the caregivers themselves. Conducted at St. Peter Specialized Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, between March and June 2025, the research rigorously employed a phenomenological approach to capture the subjective realities of caregiving. Data was meticulously collected through in-depth, one-on-one semi-structured interviews with caregivers, and subsequently analyzed using systematic thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and core meanings within their narratives. Major findings revealed that caregivers endure substantial and pervasive emotional distress, manifesting intense fear of choking, anxiety, and feelings of social isolation, often leading to burnout. They also experience significant physical strain from constantly assisting with patient mobility and demanding feeding tasks. Practical challenges are extensive, including the complex modification of diets and managing prolonged mealtimes. A critical finding was the consistent report from caregivers regarding a severe lack of adequate training and robust support from existing healthcare systems, which compelled them to rely heavily on their own informal coping strategies and deep spiritual practices for resilience. In conclusion, caregivers of stroke patients experiencing swallowing difficulties face considerable, often unrecognized, burdens that profoundly impact their well-being. It is strongly recommended that healthcare providers, particularly at St. Peter Specialized Hospital, develop and implement targeted training programs and accessible support groups specifically designed for the caregivers. Furthermore, policymakers are urged to integrate comprehensive caregiver support into national health policies to alleviate their immense burden and concurrently improve overall patient outcomes.