Assessment of the Wellbeing of Stroke Survivors: A Study in the Accra Metropolis

Abstract

This study was conducted to explore the psychological, social, physical and spiritual wellbeing of stroke survivors. An exploratory, descriptive qualitative design was employed and the Quality of life Model by Betty Ferrell, 1999 was used to guide the study. Participants were purposively sampled and saturation was achieved at the 9th participant. Face-to-face interviews were conducted in-depth and data were analyzed using the thematic content analysis approach. Stroke affected the physical function of stroke survivors, limiting their capability to even accomplish self-care undertakings leading to psychological symptoms of distress, depression, helplessness and low morale among the stroke survivors. Although the stroke survivors sometimes felt lonely, most of them had support from family, friends and church. They had to rely solely on family and friend for care, making them feel they overburdened their loved ones. They had hope for improvement and expressed faith in God for healing. It is recommended that clinical psychologists and experienced nurses be assigned to stroke survivors in discharge planning and to support them psychologically.