Chapters authored
Supporting Survivors of Stroke in Low Resource Settings
Stroke occurs suddenly and has major impact on both the survivor and their caregiver. A third of stroke victims usually die from its direct effects or complications. The survivors usually have functional deficits resulting in the need for caregiver support. The caregivers may have inadequate knowledge of how to care for their affected relatives. The result is high caregiver burden and complications among the survivors. Once a person has stroke, it becomes important that their caregivers and their needs are determined so that they get the necessary support from the health professionals. Education of both the stroke survivors and the caregivers, and follow-up to determine if their needs are being met may be the support required. This is important in low resource settings where the survivors and caregivers may not always afford to go to stroke clinics for support visits and follow-up. Furthermore, stroke will result in reduced quality of life, poor functional outcomes, and poor community reintegration, which are important areas in life. Caregivers who look after the survivor for long periods may suffer burnout and have poor quality of life. Educating both the stroke survivor and their caregiver may result in better quality of life and survival rate.
Part of the book: New Insight into Cerebrovascular Diseases
Stroke Rehabilitation and Occupational Therapy in Low Resource Settings
The long-term complications of stroke interfere with function, and the level of disability varies based on the type of stroke, location, and the extent of damage. Rehabilitation services are important in the recovery of stroke patients, but not all survivors have access to the services especially in low resourced settings where accessibility and economic challenges are the major barriers. Inadequate fulfilment of stroke survivors’ rehabilitation needs contribute to poor functional outcomes and slow recovery. The objectives of this chapter is therefore to give an overview of stroke and stroke rehabilitation with specific emphasis on occupational therapy, discuss the activities and areas of participation considered important by stroke patients, stroke patients’ needs and perceived fulfilment of these needs in order to provide targeted interventions. Data to inform the chapter is based on research done in a low resource setting. The perceived important activities and participation areas, and the needs of stroke patients are discussed in light of literature on the subject and findings from the studies done in Zimbabwe.
Part of the book: Cerebrovascular Diseases