The experiences of Indian people living in New Zealand with stroke

Abstract

Purpose

Stroke can cause lifelong disability and participatory limitations. Stroke survivors thus manage their recovery long term. Health professionals can support self-management, tailoring this support to be culturally appropriate. This study explored the unique culture and ethnicity specific experiences of Indian people living in New Zealand with stroke, focussing on self-management and facilitators and challenges to recovery.

Methods

Eight individuals with stroke took part in semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using the General Inductive Approach.

Results

Four themes were identified: (1) helping myself, in any way that I can, (2) family and support, (3) social connections, and (4) ethnicity was not a barrier.

Conclusion

All participants felt well looked after within the New Zealand healthcare context but highlighted the need for long term support. Self-management strategies participants considered important included changes to their diet, acceptance by oneself and society, returning to work, the role of family, and the use of technology and social media. Health professionals should consider these factors when providing self-management support to individuals of Indian ethnicity.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• Advice and help around diet, lifestyle, and return to work were important priorities identified by our Indian stroke survivor participants.

• Our Indian stroke survivor participants requested more long-term specialist support and stroke information.

• Although the family willingly take increased responsibility for the wellbeing of the individual with stroke, it is not a substitute for professional input which needs to be tailored and offered proactively.

Keywords:

• Stroke
• culture
• ethnic groups
• minority health
• self-management
• New Zealand

Acknowledgements

We thank each of the participants and their families for their contribution to this study. We would also like to thank the New Zealand Indian Associations and the New Zealand Stroke Foundation for their support.

Ethical approval

The study was approved by the University of Otago Human Ethics Committee (19/031).

Disclosure statement

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