Transport use limitations and its association with social participation among patients with stroke living in rural India

Abstract

Purpose This study aimed to investigate the limitations in transport use among stroke survivors in rural India and examine its impact on their social participation. Materials and methods A cross-sectional survey assessed transport patterns, post-stroke changes, and limitations among patients with stroke (N = 77). Social participation was measured with the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS 3.0). Results Following stroke, there was a significant decrease (28–41%) in the proportion of participants who could use various modes of transport unassisted, particularly in driving a motorbike or scooter and using a bus or train. Post-stroke changes in transport use showed that many participants ceased or decreased their use of different modes of transport. Independent users consistently had higher social participation scores than dependent users across all transport modes, indicating better social participation. The mean differences in various transport modes ranged from 6 to 11 points (p < 0.01). Conclusions Independent use of different modes of transport, particularly public transportation, reduced among rural Indian stroke survivors. These transport limitations are significantly associated with reduced social participation, highlighting the need for interventions to improve accessibility and fostering greater community engagement for stroke survivors in this population. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Limited transportation access limits social participation for stroke survivors in rural India. Study results show a significant decrease in independent transport use among stroke survivors, affecting their social participation. Rehabilitation interventions should focus on improving transportation accessibility to enhance social engagement for rural stroke survivors.