management mechanisms and social support towards stroke recovery among men living with stroke
1
School of public health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
stroke is a significant global health issue, with approximately 15 million people experiencing it each year, leading to high mortality and disability rates. In Ghana, stroke poses a substantial burden, with many patients facing limited access to adequate medical care and support. The consequences are often devastating, resulting in permanent disabilities and a reduced quality of life.
METHODS:
a qualitative study was conducted among 8 adult men aged 18 years and above in the Hohoe Municipality of Ghana. Data were collected through face-to-face in-depth interviews from eight stroke survivors selected via convenience sampling until data saturation was reached, using audio recorders and handwritten notes. Thematic analysis was conducted using ATLAS.ti software to transcribe, code, and identify emerging themes using the research objectives.
RESULTS:
the findings revealed limited pre-stroke knowledge among participants, with many attributing causes to both biomedical and spiritual factors. The experience of stroke was described as a sudden, life-altering event leading to physical disability, financial hardship, and profound psychosocial impacts such as depression and loss of identity. Management strategies were pluralistic, involving hospital care, physiotherapy, herbal medicine, and spiritual interventions. Social support, primarily from immediate family, was a critical determinant of recovery, providing emotional, physical, and financial assistance. Conversely, a lack of support led to feelings of isolation and hindered recovery. Participants identified significant barriers to care, including the high cost of treatment, transportation difficulties, and limited access to rehabilitation services.
CONCLUSIONS:
Stroke recovery in Hohoe is a multifaceted process influenced by knowledge, beliefs, access to care, and the strength of social support systems. The study concludes that effective stroke care requires an integrated approach that addresses knowledge gaps through community education, strengthens psychosocial and family support, and improves the accessibility and affordability of rehabilitation services. Recommendations included public health awareness campaigns and decentralization of physiotherapy services.
stroke is a significant global health issue, with approximately 15 million people experiencing it each year, leading to high mortality and disability rates. In Ghana, stroke poses a substantial burden, with many patients facing limited access to adequate medical care and support. The consequences are often devastating, resulting in permanent disabilities and a reduced quality of life.
METHODS:
a qualitative study was conducted among 8 adult men aged 18 years and above in the Hohoe Municipality of Ghana. Data were collected through face-to-face in-depth interviews from eight stroke survivors selected via convenience sampling until data saturation was reached, using audio recorders and handwritten notes. Thematic analysis was conducted using ATLAS.ti software to transcribe, code, and identify emerging themes using the research objectives.
RESULTS:
the findings revealed limited pre-stroke knowledge among participants, with many attributing causes to both biomedical and spiritual factors. The experience of stroke was described as a sudden, life-altering event leading to physical disability, financial hardship, and profound psychosocial impacts such as depression and loss of identity. Management strategies were pluralistic, involving hospital care, physiotherapy, herbal medicine, and spiritual interventions. Social support, primarily from immediate family, was a critical determinant of recovery, providing emotional, physical, and financial assistance. Conversely, a lack of support led to feelings of isolation and hindered recovery. Participants identified significant barriers to care, including the high cost of treatment, transportation difficulties, and limited access to rehabilitation services.
CONCLUSIONS:
Stroke recovery in Hohoe is a multifaceted process influenced by knowledge, beliefs, access to care, and the strength of social support systems. The study concludes that effective stroke care requires an integrated approach that addresses knowledge gaps through community education, strengthens psychosocial and family support, and improves the accessibility and affordability of rehabilitation services. Recommendations included public health awareness campaigns and decentralization of physiotherapy services.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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