Experiences related to patterns of occupations among individuals with stroke in Udupi district: A Qualitative Study

This is a qualitative study with a phenomenological approach. 12 individuals with stroke will be recruited through purposive sampling. Participants will be identified from the district of Udupi, who sought intervention from the Department of Occupational Therapy, Kasturba Hospital, and those receiving services from the Rural Maternity and Child Welfare homes, (under the field practice area of department of community medicine) from the areas of Alevoor, Kadekar and Udyavar.

(1) Individuals (both male and female) with a clinical diagnosis of stroke as confirmed by previous medical records, minimum of 1 year post stroke.(2) English and/or Hindi speaking individuals who have provided informed consent and can read and write in the language will be included in the study. Participants will be excluded based on the following criteria:(1) Individuals with stroke residing in institutionalized settings. (2)Individuals diagnosed with Transient Ischemic Attack, Neuromusculoskeletal conditions, Congenital disabilities, Psychiatric illnesses, Intellectual disabilities and/or aphasia (3)Participants with cognitive and communication difficulties hampering their ability to participate in the research.

Interviews will use data collected through a time-diary and a semi-structured guide to facilitate the discussion of their experiences related to their patterns of occupations especially their roles, routines, rituals and habits.