Research Articles (Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies)

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Browsing Research Articles (Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies) by Subject "Cerebrovascular disease -- Patients -- Rehabilitation -- Western Cape (South Africa)"

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    Impact of post-stroke impairments on activities and participation as experienced by stroke survivors in a Western Cape setting
    (Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa, 2016) Cawood, Judy; Visagie, Surona; Mji, Gubela
    ENGLISH SUMMARY : Introduction: This paper explores causal connections between impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions after stroke. Methods: The study population (N=267) of this descriptive study were public health care users, from the eastern sub-district of the Western Cape Metropole, who had a stroke between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2010. Fifty-three study participants were selected through stratified, proportional, random sampling. Data was collected using the Stroke Impact Scale-3.0; the Modified Barthel Index; the Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment and a language screening test. Spearman correlations were used to determine statistical significance. Results: The mean Stroke Impact Scale participation score was 31.3/100. Limb strength (<0.01), visual perception (<0.01), spatial perception (0.02), motor praxis (<0.01), visuomotor organisation (<0.01), and thinking operations (<0.01), impacted participation scores negatively. The mean Modified Barthel Index score was 70.58/100. Limb strength (<0.01), hand function (<0.01), visual perception (<0.01), motor praxis (<0.01), visuomotor organisation (<0.01), and thinking operations (<0.01) impacted Modified Barthel Index scores negatively. Conclusion: Motor, cognitive and perceptual impairments impacted activities and participation negatively. Stroke survivors should receive routine cognitive, perceptual and motor evaluations. The effect of intervention strategies on cognitive and perceptual impairment post-stroke must be studied.
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    The lived experiences of caregivers of stroke survivors in a rural Western Cape Setting
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2023-03) Fisher, Mylcka Jade; Visagie, Surona; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Centre for Rehabilitation Studies.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY: Introduction: Caregivers play a pivotal role in the community re-integration of stroke survivors. However, they face challenges that they are not always prepared for. This might leave them feeling anxious and uncertain about fulfilling the caregiving role. Caregivers’ emotional, physical, and mental well-being might be affected by the caregiving duties. Few studies have explored caregiver lived experiences specifically and none could be identified that was done in a rural South African setting. Purpose: The aim of the study was to explore the lived experiences of caregivers of stroke survivors discharged from Ceres Hospital, in the Witzenberg sub-district. Methods: A qualitative descriptive phenomenological design underpinned by constructivism was adopted. A pilot study was conducted to practice my interview skills, test the appropriateness of the data collection tool as well as the logistics of the interview. Data was collected by means of face to face, individual interviews with a sample of 5 participants. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Inductive thematic analysis guidelines were used. Main findings: Four themes were identified; 1) “It is my duty”. Participants felt obligated to care because of the relationship they had with the stroke survivor. 2) “I don’t make things difficult for him”. Participants neglected their own needs and interests and prioritized their caregiving duties and the needs of the stroke survivor. 3) “God gave me the strength”. Participants found their faith to be a foundation from which they drew strength and 4) “They showed me nothing”. Participants reported anxiety in the initial stages of caring and did not utilize or acknowledge the information provided by healthcare workers. Conclusions: Caregivers find it difficult to adapt to caring for a loved one and are not always equipped with coping strategies. Relationship-specific changes should be considered during stroke rehabilitation and the necessary support should be provided by healthcare workers. Conclusions: Caregivers find it difficult to adapt to caring for a loved one and are not always equipped with coping strategies. Relationship-specific changes should be considered during stroke rehabilitation and the necessary support should be provided by healthcare workers.