CAREGIVERS' PERCEPTION OF ENABLERS AND BARRIERS TO HOME EXERCISE PROGRAMME (HEP) ADHERENCE AMONG NIGERIAN STROKE SURVIVORS: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background and objective: Stroke survivors often rely on caregivers to perform their Home Exercise Programme (HEP); however, little is known about enablers and barriers to HEP adherence from caregivers’ perspective. This study aims to explore the caregivers’ perspectives on the enablers and barriers to HEP adherence among stroke survivors.

Methods: Fourteen caregivers of stroke survivors receiving physiotherapy at a Nigerian university teaching hospital were interviewed for the purpose of a qualitative study. An in-depth interview was used to explore respondents’ perspectives on enablers and barriers to HEP adherence. The gathered data was transcribed verbatim and analyzed.

Results: The caregivers were mostly women (8/14) and close family members of the stroke survivors. In their opinion the main HEP adherence enablers were motivation and expectation, positive outcome and experience, availability of social support, timing, and religious beliefs. Overall health and wellness, caregiver’s schedule, negative emotions, and fear of falling were the dominant perceived barriers to HEP adherence.

Conclusion: Home exercise programme adherence by stroke survivors is determined by a number of factors, including caregiver-related ones. It is necessary to pay close attention to all undercurrents of HEP adherence related to stroke survivors and their caregivers.