https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2019.06.012

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Barriers and Facilitators of Stroke Recovery: Perspectives from African Americans with Stroke, Caregivers and Healthcare Professionals

Document Type

Article

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND GOAL: Stroke is a serious health condition that disproportionally affects African-Americans relative to non-Hispanic whites. In the absence of clearly defined reasons for racial disparities in stroke recovery and subsequent stroke outcomes, a critical first step in mitigating poor stroke outcomes is to explore potential barriers and facilitators of poststroke recovery in African-American adults with stroke. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively explore poststroke recovery across the care continuum from the perspective of African-American adults with stroke, caregivers of African-American adults with stroke, and health care professionals with expertise in stroke care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This qualitative descriptive study included in-depth key informant interviews with health care providers (n = 10) and focus groups with persons with stroke (n = 20 persons) and their family members or caregivers (n = 19 persons). Data were analyzed using thematic analysis according to the Social Ecological Model, using both inductive and deductive approaches. FINDINGS: Persons with stroke and their caregivers identified social support, resources, and knowledge as the most salient factors associated with stroke recovery. Perceived barriers to recovery included: (1) physical and cognitive deficits, mood; (2) medication issues; (3) lack of support and resources; (4) stigma, culture, and faith. Health care providers identified knowledge/information, care coordination, and resources in the community as key to facilitating stroke recovery outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Key findings from this study can be incorporated into interventions designed to improve poststroke recovery outcomes and potentially reduce the current racial-ethnic disparity gap.

APA Citation

Magwood, G. S., Ellis, C., Nichols, M., Burns, S. P., Jenkins, C., Woodbury, M., & Adams, R. (2019). Barriers and Facilitators of Stroke Recovery: Perspectives From African Americans With Stroke, Caregivers and Healthcare Professionals. Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases : The Official Journal of National Stroke Association, 28(9), 2506–2516.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2019.06.012

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© 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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