Lived Experience of Post Stroke Aphasia among Stroke Survivors Followed At Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Phenomenological Study, 2024 G.C
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Date
2024-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Stroke survivors are greatly affected by post-stroke aphasia (PSA), complicating rehabilitation
due to linguistic and motor hurdles like hemiparesis, coordination problems, gait abnormalities,
and swallowing issues. Healthcare limitations in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, including the absence
of speech therapy services, insufficient research funding, and a lack of experts, exacerbate these
issues. These factors further impact social, emotional, and physical obstacles, such as social
isolation and communication difficulties. This study explores the lived experience of individuals
with PSA, focusing on psychological and communication challenges, economic consequences,
and daily activities among stroke survivors at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH), Addis
Ababa, Ethiopia. A qualitative research approach using a phenomenological study design was
conducted between February and June 2024 among seven individuals with PSA within the stroke
survivor population at TASH. Purposefully selected participants underwent face-to-face, indepth
interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. Thematic analysis incorporated both a
priori codes from the interview guide and emerging inductive codes. Five themes and ten subthemes
related to stroke survivors' lived experiences of PSA were identified: (i) daily interaction
and communication challenges; (ii) impacts of PSA on daily living and work; (iii) economic
consequences of PSA; (iv) psychological and emotional impact; and (v) reflections on improving
the quality of life for individuals with PSA coping mechanisms. These findings highlight the
multi-dimensional impacts of PSA among stroke survivors and underscore the importance of
tailored interventions to enhance social interaction and communication abilities. Comprehensive
rehabilitation programs targeting social, motor, and communication skills are vital. The
economic impact of aphasia necessitates robust support systems, occupational adjustments, and
regulatory changes. Improving the quality of life for individuals with aphasia requires increased
social backing, better access to therapy, heightened public awareness, and addressing these
emotional challenges through psychological assistance, community education, the promotion of
positive coping mechanisms and alongside active family involvement, can greatly improve the
quality of life for individuals with aphasia.
Keywords: post-stroke aphasia, stroke survivors, lived experience
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Keywords
post-stroke aphasia, stroke survivors, lived experience