Abstract
BackgroundWorking-age adults with aphasia experience difficulties in social participation, specifically fulfilling social roles and reintegrating into communities. Literature regarding social participation of people with aphasia (PWA) is predominantly based on studies conducted in high-income countries (HIC), limiting generalisability of findings. Perspectives of social participation are influenced by person, place and cultural background warranting investigation in heterogeneous low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), like South Africa.ObjectivesDescribe perspectives of working-age adults with aphasia regarding social participation within the first 2 years post-incident.MethodSemi-structured interviews gained perspectives of 10 working-age adults (with mild to moderate aphasia) using principles of supported conversation for adults with aphasia. Data were thematically analysed to describe participants’ perspectives of social participation.ResultsSeven themes were identified pertaining to participants’ perspectives of social participation. Participants considered rehabilitation services, faith-related activities and returning to work as valued areas of social participation. Previous interests, presence of support and characteristics of communication partners determined their preference and willingness to participate with others. Finally, personal attitudes and feelings continued to influence their perspectives of social participation, as well as their motivation to participate.ConclusionSuccessful social participation was dependent on the PWA’s perceived value of social activities and presence of support from significant others. Speech-language therapists are in the ideal position to facilitate PWA’s communication abilities and their experience of successful participation through the implementation of person-centered care and community-led intervention. This study provided a preliminary investigation of social participation in South Africa and further investigation is warranted.
Highlights
People with aphasia (PWA) often experience difficulty fully participating in social situations and everyday activities because of their acquired language impairments (Alary Gauvreau & Le Dorze 2020)
As language is the medium in which human interactions occur, symptoms of aphasia have far-reaching consequences than mere communication difficulties, indicating the crucial role communication abilities play in social participation (Woelders et al 2018)
It is clear that feeling included, comfortable and supported can shield an individual from experiencing social isolation (Elloker & Rhoda 2018), in turn allowing PWA to experience improved confidence in communication and social participation
Summary
People with aphasia (PWA) often experience difficulty fully participating in social situations and everyday activities because of their acquired language impairments (Alary Gauvreau & Le Dorze 2020). People with aphasia’s social experiences are largely defined by context, cultural backgrounds and beliefs This influences the manner in which PWA may react to their diagnosis as well as their community’s attitudes towards disability affecting social participation (Penn & Armstrong 2017). Community organisation and personal attitudes differ according to person, place and cultural background, warranting the adoption of an anthropological and holistic perspective when investigating an individual’s experience of disability and their ability to reintegrate into everyday life (Legg & Penn 2014). Perspectives of social participation are influenced by person, place and cultural background warranting investigation in heterogeneous low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), like South Africa
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