Kalavina Reuben, Chisati Enock, Mlenzana Nondwe, Wazakili Margaret
University of the Western Cape.
University of Malawi College of Medicine.
Malawi Med J. 2019 Jun;31(2):112-117. doi: 10.4314/mmj.v31i2.2.
Stroke is the second major cause of death and disability worldwide. Most stroke survivors experience various challenges due to physical and mental impairments which increase the burden on spouses during care. The broad aim of this study was to explore the challenges and experiences of stroke patients and their spouses during and after rehabilitation at the Rehabilitation Centre in Blantyre, Malawi.
This was a qualitative exploratory study design. We conveniently selected 18 participants. Half of the population comprised patients and the other half spouses. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions and were analysed using thematic content analysis.
Stroke patients were found to be challenged by lack of mobility and failure to perform basic functional activities such as walking and feeding using the affected hand, which resulted in sudden dependence on the spouse for basic self-care and daily activities. In consequence, spouses were burdened by care-giving responsibilities while, on the other hand, most participants had limited access to rehabilitation and health services at the grassroots level. Moreover, congestion and lack of privacy were shown to exist at the Kachere Rehabilitation Centre due to inadequate space.
This study has managed to show some of the problems that stroke patients and spouses experience during and after rehabilitation. There is a need for early and adequate intervention to address functional limitations and facilitate return to work. Spouses should be made to understand the condition of their partner and educated regarding possible implications of the same. In addition, social and psychological support should form an inseparable part of the therapy. Stroke support groups and association could be considered as a way of enhancing social support and awareness.
中风是全球第二大致死和致残原因。大多数中风幸存者由于身体和精神损伤而面临各种挑战，这增加了配偶在护理期间的负担。本研究的广泛目标是探索马拉维布兰太尔康复中心中风患者及其配偶在康复期间和康复后的挑战与经历。
这是一项定性探索性研究设计。我们方便地选取了18名参与者。其中一半是患者，另一半是配偶。通过深入访谈和焦点小组讨论收集数据，并使用主题内容分析进行分析。
发现中风患者面临行动不便以及无法使用患手进行诸如行走和进食等基本功能活动的挑战，这导致他们在基本自我护理和日常活动方面突然依赖配偶。因此，配偶承担了护理责任，而另一方面，大多数参与者在基层获得康复和医疗服务的机会有限。此外，由于空间不足，卡切雷康复中心存在拥挤和缺乏隐私的情况。
本研究成功揭示了中风患者及其配偶在康复期间和康复后所经历的一些问题。需要进行早期和充分的干预，以解决功能限制并促进重返工作岗位。应让配偶了解其伴侣的病情，并对其进行相关可能影响的教育。此外，社会和心理支持应成为治疗中不可分割的一部分。可以考虑成立中风支持小组和协会，作为增强社会支持和提高认识的一种方式。
