Awareness and Perception of the Traditional Methods of Stroke Management Among Stroke Survivors in Selected Health Facilities and Traditional Centers-A Mixed Method Study

Abstract

Background: Traditional methods of stroke management is becoming increasingly popular in sub Saharan Africa involving a wide range of practices. Aims and objectives: To determine the level of awareness and perception of the traditional methods of stroke management among stroke survivors in Anambra State. Methods: This study was a Mixed-method embedded design involving 106 stroke survivors recruited from selected health facilities and traditional stroke management centers in Anambra State. A Self-developed and validated research instrument on awareness and perception of traditional methods of stroke management among stroke survivors was used to collect quantitative data while a structured interview guide was used to collect qualitative data. Data was summarized using descriptive statistics of mean, frequency, and standard deviation, while the relationship between the sociodemographic variables and the study variables was analyzed using inferential statistics of the Chi-square test at an α level of 0.05. Thematic analysis was used for qualitative data. Results: The participants had high awareness 51 (48.1%) and high perception 85 (80.2%) of traditional methods of stroke management. There was a statistically significant association between awareness of traditional methods of stroke management and gender (X²=7.9, p=0.019). Thematic analysis showed an overall high awareness and perception of the traditional method of management. Conclusion: The study showed high awareness and perception of the traditional methods of stroke management from both the quantitative and qualitative results.