Meaning of health for Japanese elders who have had a stroke

Abstract

Aim: This study was conducted to explore the meaning of health for Japanese elders who have had a stroke. Methods: A secondary analysis of existing data was conducted by using phenomenological methods. Twenty-four male and female stroke patients, whose average age was 76 +/- 7.2 years, described the meaning of health with one researcher. Researchers from Japan and the USA analysed the data through email communication and scheduled visits. The five-step analysis method began from the English transcriptions of descriptions to finally identify a structural definition of health for Japanese elders who have had a stroke. Results: The structural definition identifies health as a fundamentally valuable gift recognized by stroke patients as they try to adjust to their present circumstance, defined by their past experience, and as they consider dimensions of everyday living from a new perspective. Judgments about how they are doing are created through the eyes and expressions of others who interact with them and through everyday markers of usual life, like a good appetite, easy breathing and smooth thinking and moving. Conclusions: Comparable with other studies, elderly Japanese stroke survivors seek a revised but familiar, stable 'self based on a new frame of reference incorporating their past with the person they are now. Unlike other stroke survivors of previous studies, these Japanese elders considered fundamental human patterns such as breathing and eating as markers for good health, and they used the assessments of others to judge their progress. There is a need for health-care providers to thoughtfully engage with stroke survivors to determine the most meaningful approaches to care and engagement demands and understand that their interactions are intricately woven into the patient's health experience. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract)