Article

OBJECTIVE: Identify what factors are associated with functional social support
and social network post stroke; explore stroke survivors' perspectives on what
changes occur and how they are perceived. DATA SOURCES:
The following electronic
databases were systematically searched up to May 2015: Academic Search Complete;
CINAHL Plus; E-journals; Health Policy Reference Centre; MEDLINE; PsycARTICLES;
PsycINFO; and SocINDEX. REVIEW METHODS: PRISMA guidelines were followed in the
conduct and reporting of this review. All included studies were critically
appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program tools. Meta-ethnographic
techniques were used to integrate findings from the qualitative studies. Given
the heterogeneous nature of the quantitative studies, data synthesis was
narrative. RESULTS: Seventy research reports met the eligibility criteria: 22
qualitative and 48 quantitative reporting on 4,816 stroke survivors. The
qualitative studies described a contraction of the social network, with non-kin
contact being vulnerable. Although family were more robust network members,
significant strain was observed within the family unit. In the quantitative
studies, poor functional social support was associated with depression (13/14
studies), reduced quality of life (6/6 studies) and worse physical recovery (2/2
studies). Reduced social network was associated with depression (7/8 studies),
severity of disability (2/2 studies) and aphasia (2/2 studies). Although most
indicators of social network reduced post stroke (for example, contact with
friends, 5/5 studies), the perception of feeling supported remained relatively
stable (4/4 studies). CONCLUSION: Following a stroke non-kin contact is
vulnerable, strain is observed within the family unit, and poor social support is
associated with depressive symptoms.
CI - (c) The Author(s) 2015.

Langue : ANGLAIS