One Stone, Two Birds: The Role of Families in Stroke Patients’ Care: A qualitative study among Stroke Survivors at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital
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Date
2021-11
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Addis Abeba University
Abstract
Background: Stroke is the second leading cause of death and third leading cause of disability
worldwide. After three months of sustaining stroke, 26% of stroke survivors require long-term
care for long-term disabilities which includes mostly hemiparesis, speech problem, swallowing
problem, sphincter dysfunction, dementia and depression for which there will be dependence for
performing activities of daily living. So far, the role of families in stroke care is not studied in the
context of Ethiopia but it is obvious that they have to adapt themselves to take care of their
patient with what they know and think is caring.
Objective: This study aims at explaining the role of families in stroke patients’ care among
stroke survivors at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital.
Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using qualitative content analysis approach. We
used a purposive sampling finding the maximum variation in participants by age, gender,
residence, educational level, relationship to the patient, occupation, duration of stroke and
monthly income. An in-depth interview using a semi-structured questionnaire was conducted to
collect data by voice recording and the recording was transcribed verbatim then translated in to
English language. Analysis was performed using an opencode software version 4.03.
Result: A total of 26 participants were included in the in-depth interview and saturation was
achieved. There were 20 female and 6 male participants. Majority of the females were daughters
(8 participants) of the patients. The caregivers’ role included fulfilling patient’s self-care with
hygiene, physical support in ADL, psychological and financial support. The challenges
experienced by the caregivers’ were problems with their physical well-being, psychological
disturbances and disruption of their social interaction. There are challenges due to financial
crisis, inefficient health care facilities like pharmacies, laboratory services and unavailable
rehabilitation centers. On top of these there was a challenge from knowledge gap from lack of
proper health education provision. The study also found out the common support systems of the
care givers which include families, friends, health professionals and others. There was a better
recovery in patients with provision of rehabilitation and optimistic life styles like healthy diet,
treatment adherence, continuation of follow up visits and provision of a health insurance free
card for government services.
Conclusion: family caregivers have a notable role in the care of post-stroke patients’ and there
are undeniable challenges that are experienced by the caregivers which should also be taken in to
consideration in planning a patient’s post-stroke care.
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Keywords
Stroke Patients’ Care,Families