Dealing with stroke: Perspectives from stroke survivors and stroke caregivers from an underserved Hispanic community

Abstract

Globally, stroke is the leading cause of death and disease burden. While post-stroke studies have been conducted, they excluded survivors and caregivers from underserved communities. It can be argued that the impact of stroke on survivors and caregivers from underserved communities may be greater. Using qualitative exploratory research design, the purpose of this study was to examine the lived experiences of post-stroke recovery and readjustment among stroke survivors and stroke caregivers from an underserved community. Two separate focus groups were conducted, one each for stroke survivors and caregivers. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Finding meaning in life is the general theme of stroke survivors' and stroke caregivers' journey of post-stroke recovery and readjustment. For stroke survivors, the transition to stroke recovery required time, life goal reconfiguration, willpower, humor, and network support. Post-stroke caregiving is a daily navigation and negotiation influenced by internal and external processes. Personal, economic, and socio-cultural nuances play a role in how post-stroke recovery is lived and experienced. Study findings highlight the importance of policies to support family-centered and system-level advocacy in post-stroke care.