Exploring the lived experiences of family caregivers of patients with stroke in Africa: a scoping review of qualitative evidence.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The burden of stroke is immense in African countries, with post-stroke care usually becoming the responsibility of family. This review sought to determine the current breadth and depth of qualitative evidence regarding the lived experiences of family caregivers of patients with stroke in Africa. METHODS: Informed by Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews, six databases were searched. Included articles were appraised for quality using the JBI checklist. A priori themes developed using the study objectives were used to synthesize study findings. RESULTS: The review included 22 articles, which outlined key patterns in stroke outcomes with most articles focused on rehabilitation and the experiences, outcomes, burdens, and coping mechanisms of caregiving. The intersectionality of socio-economic status, socio-political structures, and religious or traditional beliefs, attitudes, and practices characterized etiology beliefs, treatment trajectories of stroke, and caregiving role assignment. Whereas burdens were driven by limited resources, adopted coping strategies involved spiritual or religious beliefs, optimism, resilience, and social support networks. CONCLUSIONS: Family caregivers' values must be acknowledged, supported, and integrated into the traditional healthcare system to provide comprehensive stroke care. Caregivers' health and well-being should be given more attention given their necessary contribution to stroke survivorship in Africa.