An Exploratory Study of Young Stroke Survivors' Lived Experiences: A Multi-Methods Study Using Developmental Theory

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Occupational Therapy
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• Young adults (18-40 years) represent 10% of annual strokes in the US.
• Limited research exists on the developmental and occupational impacts of stroke in this demographic.
• Understanding these disruptions is crucial for effective rehabilitation and support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the perceived occupational disruptions in young stroke survivors.
• To utilize developmental theory to frame the experiences of young stroke survivors.
• To identify specific areas of life impacted by stroke in young adults.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods study combining qualitative interviews and quantitative Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measures.
• Inclusion of community-dwelling stroke survivors aged 18 to 40.
• Analysis of qualitative themes and comparison of PROMIS scores to normative data.

Main Results:

• Five key themes emerged from qualitative data: stroke impact on health, work/school, romantic relationships, parenting, and social connections.
• PROMIS measures did not reveal significant differences compared to the general population.
• Qualitative findings highlighted significant individual variations in post-stroke deficits and occupational performance not fully captured by PROMIS measures.

Conclusions:

• Young stroke survivors face multifaceted occupational disruptions impacting various life domains.
• Standardized measures like PROMIS may not fully capture the nuanced challenges experienced by this population.
• Occupational therapy practitioners should integrate developmental theory to better understand and address the unique needs of young stroke survivors.