Exploring the Unmet Needs of Young Adults with Stroke in Australia

Research Objectives: To explore the unmet needs of young adults aged 18-30 years with stroke and ascertain how best they want those needs met.

Design: The study employed the qualitative phenomenological research design to understand unmet needs of young stroke survivors.

Setting: Community

Participants: Young stroke survivors (18-30 years), caregivers of young stroke survivors and health care professionals were recruited purposively to participate in in-depth interviews

Interventions: N/A

Main Outcome Measures: Semi-structured interviews were conducted to ascertain unmet needs of young stroke survivors.

Results: Sixteen in-depth interviews were conducted, ten with young stroke survivors, three with carers and three with health care professionals. There were nine (56.3%) males and seven (43.8%) females. Six of the young stroke survivors were employed and five were in long term relationships. Themes generated as unmet needs of young stroke survivors focussed on; ‘support for recovery’, ‘availability of specific resources’, ‘care continuity’, ‘adjustment’ and ‘Knowledge’. Age specific resources, peer support, provision of psycho-emotional support post stroke and creating awareness in society were reported as the preferred ways of meeting identified unmet needs.

Conclusions: This study investigates a cohort of young stroke survivors in Australia, to determine the best ways of meeting their ongoing needs. It is evident the needs of young stroke survivors, aged 18-30 years are unique and mostly related to tailored resources for support. It is recommended that health professionals endeavour to provide age specific resources for younger stroke survivors in a bid to improve their quality of life and participation.

Author(s) Disclosures: None.