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Meta-synthesis of fatigue symptom experience and influencing factors in post-stroke fatigue patients in a qualitative
Yawei Yu1, Yingyu Chen1, Ziye Li1
1School of Nursing, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
Introduction:
Post-stroke fatigue (PSF) is a common, persistent, and disabling complication in stroke survivors that significantly impairs quality of life. While most existing studies have used quantitative methods, qualitative evidence concerning patients' fatigue experiences and the perceptions and coping strategies of relevant stakeholders remains limited. This study aimed to synthesise the experiences of fatigue among patients with PSF based on the Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms and to explore the perceptions and attitudes of patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.
Methods:
A qualitative systematic literature review and meta-synthesis was conducted following JBI methodology. Nine databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and CNKI, were searched from inception to 25 March 2025. Eligibility criteria were developed using the PICoS framework. Qualitative studies and mixed-methods studies with extractable qualitative data involving patients with PSF, caregivers, or healthcare professionals were included. Study quality was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research.
Results:
Twelve studies were included. The synthesis of 30 research findings generated four synthesised findings: (1) the fatigue symptom experience of patients with PSF is multidimensional; (2) the influencing factors are multifaceted and significantly affect patients' coping attitudes; (3) awareness of PSF among patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals needs to be improved, while rehabilitation needs remain unmet; and (4) PSF management primarily depends on patient self-management, with healthcare professionals and caregivers playing complementary roles.
Discussion:
PSF is characterized by a multidimensional symptom experience influenced by physiological, psychological, and situational factors. There is an urgent need to develop appropriate measurement tools, strengthen education, implement personalized management strategies, and increase caregiver involvement. PROSPERO (CRD420251037784).
Systematic Review Registration:
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251037784.
