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Returning to Leisure Activity Post-Stroke: Barriers and Facilitators to Engagement

Harrison J, Thetford C, Reeves MJ, Brown C, Joshi M, Watkins C

International journal of environmental research and public health, 2022

1,045 participants

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To identify barriers and facilitators to engagement when returning to, or participating in, leisure activity post-stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA).

DESIGN: Sequential explanatory, mixed methods study.

SETTING: 21 hospital sites across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

PARTICIPANTS: Adults with a clinical diagnosis of first/recurrent stroke or TIA. Patients approaching end of life were excluded. Participants were recruited as in-patients or at first clinic appointment and a baseline questionnaire was completed. A 6-month follow-up questionnaire was sent to participants for self-completion. Open-text questions were asked about barriers and facilitators when returning to, or participating in, leisure activity. Responses were thematically analysed and explored by participant characteristics, including type of leisure activity undertaken. Characteristics also included measures of socioeconomic deprivation, mood, fatigue and disability.

RESULTS: 2000 participants returned a 6-month follow-up questionnaire (78% stroke, 22% TIA); 1045 participants responded to a question on barriers and 820 on facilitators. Twelve themes were identified and the proportion of responses were reported (%). Barriers: physical difficulties (69%), lower energy levels (17%), loss of independence (11%), psychological difficulties (10%), hidden disabilities (7%), and delay or lack of healthcare provision (3%). Facilitators: family support (35%), healthcare support (27%), well-being…

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