Coping with sensory changes after stroke: a qualitative study

ABSTRACT

Background

Coping strategies were found to predict success in rehabilitation. Research is lacking in identifying the specific coping strategies used to adjust to sensory changes after stroke.

Objective

This study utilized a qualitative descriptive method to understand how individuals handle sensory changes after stroke.

Method

Researchers developed open-ended questions with probes to facilitate semi-structured interviews. Thirteen stroke survivors younger than 75 years old who were 1–5 years past their stroke were recruited. Researchers used an inductive content analysis approach to analyze the data gathered from the interviews.

Results

Two themes were identified; Coping strategies and the Amount of therapy received targeting sensory changes.

Conclusion

Results from this study can inform occupational therapists about what strategies stroke survivors use to cope with sensory changes so that similar strategies can be implemented in therapy. Rehabilitation in the early stages of recovery can help stroke survivors identify adaptive strategies to cope with sensory changes.

KEYWORDS:

• stroke
• sensation
• coping
• rehabilitation
• qualitative

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Correction Statement

This article has been corrected with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.