Recovery experiences of younger stroke survivors who are parents: A qualitative content analysis

Aims and objectives To explore the experience of parenting for younger stroke survivors (aged 18 to 64 years at the time of the stroke). Background Stroke among younger adults increased 43% between 2000 and 2010. The social, emotional, and physical functioning of younger adults affects multiple aspects of their lives including parenting. There is limited research on the experience of parenting after stroke. Design This is a qualitative descriptive study. Methods We conducted individual semi-structured interviews with 10 younger adults who were actively parenting children under the age of 18 years at the time of the stroke. Conventional content analysis was used to analyze the data. We report the methods and results using the COREQ checklist. Results Impairments from stroke disrupted participants' identity, relationships, and roles as a parent. The degree to which parenting abilities and behaviors were affected by stroke was contingent upon the type and severity of impairments as well as the children's age. Participants also observed emotional and behavioral changes in their children in response to their stroke. Support from family, friends, healthcare providers, and children's school/daycare was crucial to participants throughout their stroke recovery. Two major themes emerged: 1) finding a new normal and 2) support for parenting post-stroke. Conclusions Findings enable a deeper understanding of the distinct parenting challenges younger stroke survivors face and can inform future research on this population. Relevance for clinical practice Study findings highlight the need for continual and tailored follow-up by nurses and other allied healthcare professionals to decrease the difficulty stroke survivors experience when trying to resume their role as parents.