Social support and social challenges in hausa women after stroke: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Abstracts Background Social factors modulating stroke outcomes are culturally inclined, among these factors are social support and social constraints. Limited studies are available in chronic illnesses and their impact on social life of women. Aim The aim of the study is to determine the level of social support available and social constraints faced by Hausa women who suffered stroke. Materials and methods Seventy-four Hausa women who suffered stroke were recruited from Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital (MMSH) and Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Specialist Hospital (MAWSH) in this cross-sectional study. Socio-demographic, stroke-related attributes of participants were obtained. Perceived social support and social constraints were assessed using Multidimentional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS) and the Social problem questionnaire (SPQ) respectively. The relationship and association between different variables was analysed using Pearson’s correlation and Chi-square test respectively. Results Participants reported adequate level of social support (60.8%), with fairly low levels of social constraints in both the Total Family Stress (91.9%) and Non-Child Related stress (90.5%). Socio-demographic features had no significant relationship with either social support or social constraints (p > 0.05). Rather, an inverse relationship exists between social support and social constraints. Conclusion The outcome of this study suggests that adequate levels of social support results in reduced levels of social constraints following stroke. It is recommended that physiotherapist should assist by providing educative programmes that would increase caregiver’s knowledge of social support and how to develop it and cultural values that emphasize positive social interaction should be encouraged.