Research progress on social participation of young and middle-aged stroke survivors: a narrative review
Objective:
To examine the current status, assessment tools (e.g., specific questionnaires or scales), and influencing factors of social participation among young and middle-aged stroke survivors, guided by the ICF framework.
Key Findings:
- Stroke is the third leading cause of death globally, with a significant burden on young and middle-aged adults (40-60 years).
- Social participation is crucial for rehabilitation outcomes and is associated with quality of life and cognitive function.
- Young and middle-aged stroke survivors experience lower levels of social participation, impacting their recovery due to factors such as stigma, lack of resources, and social isolation.
Interpretation:
Social participation is a vital indicator of recovery for stroke survivors; however, young and middle-aged individuals face unique challenges, such as societal expectations and limited support systems, that hinder their engagement.
Limitations:
- The review may not cover all relevant studies or perspectives on social participation, potentially leading to an incomplete understanding of the topic.
- Existing definitions and frameworks for social participation are not universally accepted, which may affect the applicability of the findings.
Conclusion:
Addressing the social participation needs of young and middle-aged stroke survivors is essential for improving rehabilitation outcomes and quality of life.
