Browsing by Author "Patterson, Stacey Louise"
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- ItemReturn to work after stroke; rate, facilitators and barriers in Buffalo City, South Africa(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2018-03) Patterson, Stacey Louise; Visagie, Surona; Ned, Lieketseng; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. Centre for Rehabilitation Studies.ENGLISH SUMMARY : Background: Stroke is an alarming medical and public health problem globally. Effects of stroke are strongly linked to an increase in burden of care and loss in productivity. Literature shows that a large proportion of stroke survivors do not return to work (RTW). Objectives: How many stroke survivors returned to work and what variables influence returning to work for stroke survivors in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCM), Eastern Cape, South Africa? Methods: A descriptive, mixed methods study was conducted between March 2015 and March 2017. Quantitative data was collected from 40 participants. Demographic data, work history, and barriers and facilitators were identified with use of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Qualitative data was collected from seven purposively selected participants using a semi-structured interview and was thematically analysed. Results: Only 32% of participants successfully returned to work following their stroke. Those that returned to work had a low Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and tended to have employment in white-collar work. Main barriers for returning to work that have been identified included: poor functional use of the affected arm and leg, poor memory, difficulty with speech and poor support and guidance from healthcare professionals and employers. Main facilitators included: dislike of being bored, financial needs to support one’s self and family, enjoyment of work as well as supportive and understanding healthcare professionals and employers. Conclusion: The RTW rate after stroke in BCM is low. Identification of goals and collaboration between all role players should commence at the earliest time possible, so as to begin the process of return to work.