PRIMARY PREVENTION OF STROKE: DEVELOPING AN UNDERSTANDING OF LIFE BEFORE STROKE
Abstract
Background: Stroke is the third leading cause of global disease-burden estimated using disability-adjusted life years. Yet, there are potential benefits for both person and society if the incidence of first-ever stroke could... [ view full abstract ]
Background:
Stroke is the third leading cause of global disease-burden estimated using disability-adjusted life years. Yet, there are potential benefits for both person and society if the incidence of first-ever stroke could be reduced. There is vast knowledge about life after stroke (Eriksson et al, 2010), yet little is known about life before stroke. The aim of this study was to explore experiences of engaging occupations, first healthcare experiences, and everyday technology use among adults at risk for stroke.
Method:
Qualitative structured and semi-structured interviews were conducted with persons over the age of 40 and identified within primary healthcare settings as being at risk for stroke. Risk assessment was based on the Stroke Risk Card and Swedish Lifestyle Survey.
Results:
Results are presented in themes characterizing balance of engaging occupations in everyday life, early encounters with primary healthcare providers, and everyday technology use.
Conclusion:
Although still in progress, the lack of systematic screening and follow-up in primary healthcare focusing on stroke prevention is an important step in a continuum of occupational therapy services.
Application to Practice:
Preliminary results are indicative of the need for more community- and occupation-based OT services focusing on illness/disease prevention within the primary healthcare system. This study contributes with early evidence.
References
Erikson, A., Park, M., Tham, K. (2010) Belonging a qualitative, longitudinal study of what matters for persons after stroke during one year of rehabilitation, Journal of rehabilitation medicine, 42, 831-838.
Financial support by Vårdal Foundation and National Foundation on Aging Research is gratefully acknowledged.
Authors
-
Eric Asaba
(Associate Professor/Docent, Karolinska Institutet, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Occupational Therapy)
-
Erika Johansson
(Postdoc & Lecturer, Karolinska Institutet, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Occupational Therapy)
-
Ann-Helen Patomella
(Senior Lecturer, Karolinska Institutet, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Occupational Therapy)
-
Anders Kottorp
(Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden and University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, United States)
-
Susanne Guidetti
(Senior Lecturer, Karolinska Institutet, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Occupational Therapy)
-
Kerstin Tham
(Professor, Karolinska Institutet, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Occupational Therapy & Vice Chancellor, Malmö University)
Topic Areas
WHO 2020 health promotion and disease prevention , Education / Research / Professional Challenges , Multiprofessional issues in practice, research and education
Session
OS - 8B » Stroke (11:30 - Saturday, 18th June, O' Flaherty Theatre)
Paper
Abstract_Template_Research_Oral_Asaba_et_al.docx
