A study of perceived factors affecting patients' participation in outpatient stroke physiotherapy exercise in Nigeria

Background/Aims: Stroke results in a range of disabilities, activities and restrictions which have been shown to benefit from physiotherapy rehabilitation and exercise. However there are numerous factors that prevent stroke patients from participating in their exercise programmes. The aim of this study was to explore the factors that were perceived to affect people with stroke in Nigeria in participating in their outpatient physiotherapy exercise. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were used to explore the topic. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. Eight male participants with stroke who were attending outpatient stroke physiotherapy in Nigeria were recruited in December 2009. Findings: The factors that were perceived to affect the participants' participation in their outpatient physiotherapy programme encompassed three dimensions: the internal and personal, the relational and experiential, and external factors. These dimensions were interconnected with the internal and personal factors being central to the participants' participation. Conclusions: This study has provided an insight into the factors that were important for a small group of Nigerian men post-stroke who were receiving out-patient stroke physiotherapy. This can lead to further research that could assist in informing the development of clinical practice and services.