Introduction: Telerehabilitation (TR) is a promising method for facilitating the delivery and access to post-stroke rehabilitation services. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the acceptability of TR and factors influencing its adoption by individuals with stroke and caregivers. Methods: A qualitative descriptive approach was used. Six individuals with stroke and three caregivers participated in individual online interviews. An abductive thematic analysis was employed to analyze the qualitative data, using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT-2) model. Results: Participants reported positive experiences with TR, resulting in improvements in functional abilities, such as manual dexterity, balance, and positive interactions with therapists. They found the technology easy to learn and use, facilitating engagement in TR. Participants’ prior experiences with technology, along with support from caregivers and therapists, facilitated acceptance and the use of TR. The COVID-19 pandemic also motivated participants to accept TR. However, technical issues, unstable internet connections, and lack of feedback were barriers to the use of TR. Conclusion: Despite existing obstacles, TR can be used to provide rehabilitation services for individuals with stroke. Addressing these barriers is necessary to promote the widespread and effective use of TR in the context of stroke recovery.

Extended reality (XR) and telerehabilitation (TR) technologies are increasingly being used into stroke rehabilitation. These technologies have the potentia

In Sub-Saharan Africa, family caregivers (FCs) almost systematically-and sometimes indefinitely-assist stroke survivors with activities of daily living and the stroke rehabilitation process. This study explored the experiences of FCs of stroke survivors in Burkina Faso. A descriptive qualitative study was conducted with FCs recruited through convenience sampling. Semi-structured interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. A deductive thematic analysis based on the ICF framework was performed. Eleven FCs (female: 7; male: 4) participated in the study. Four main themes were identified: (1) Health and well-being (impact on health and well-being, and coping strategies); (2) Activities related to the caregiving role and social participation (activities and social participation); (3) Environmental factors (social support and lack of social security); (4) Personal factors (skills and knowledge about stroke). Furthermore, the facilitators and barriers associated with the caregiving role were synthesized. FCs, particularly the wives of stroke survivors, experienced a significant impact on their physical and emotional well-being due to their caregiving responsibilities. Social support helped alleviate the burden, while its absence increased distress. Improving health services and policies, and promoting awareness of stroke knowledge, appear to be important in strengthening support for FCs.

Background: Stroke survivors in sub-Saharan Africa frequently require continuous assistance from their relatives for daily activities and personal hygiene care. In Burkina Faso, the experiences of these caregivers are not documented. Purpose: This protocol describes a study that aims to explore in-depth the experiences of the family caregivers of stroke survivors in this region in order to better understanding the real impacts of caregiving on their overall lives. Methods: A convenience sample of twenty family caregivers recruited from both urban and semi-urban regions will be used to conduct a qualitative study. Participants will take part in individual semi-structured online interviews using an interview guide pre-designed by the authors. The interviews will be recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data will then undergo abductive thematic analysis guided by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) framework. Expected results: Four main potential themes could eventually emerge. 1) Health and well-being of family caregivers (e.g., physical, psychological, and social impacts, health management, conflicts, and priorities); 2) Balancing caregiving responsibilities and personal life (e.g., daily caregiving management and the impact of caregiving role on social participation); 3) Impact of environment on the caregiving role (e.g., social and physical environment factors); 4) Personal experience and perceptions of the caregiving role (e.g., self-assessment as a caregiver, expectations and needs). Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this will be the first study of its kind conducted in this country. Therefore, it will make a substantial contribution to stroke research in sub-Saharan Africa, specifically in Burkina Faso. Ethical approval: This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Burkina Faso Ministry of Health (No: 2023-07-183). It will be conducted following the prescribed guidelines respecting the confidentiality of participants.

To investigate the psychometric properties of the MOSE-Benin, a French-language version of the Measure of Stroke Environment (MOSE) for Sub-Saharan Africa. The original English version of the MOSE has been translated into French following the guidelines for cross-cultural adaptation. The resulting questionnaire (MOSE-Benin) was administered to a convenience sample of participants recruited in Benin, a French-speaking country. Eighty-two stroke survivors (41 females; mean ± SD: 54.94 ± 11.6 years old) participated in the study. Internal consistency of each domain of the MOSE-Benin and the overall questionnaire was high (Cronbach's α: 0.78 to 0.92). Test-retest reliability was excellent (n = 31; ICC: 0.977 to 0.998). Overall, the standard error of measurement (SEM) and the minimum detectable change (MDC) showed very low values (SEM = 0.85; MDC = 2.35). Convergent validity demonstrated moderate correlations for the three domains in separate comparison respectively with the ACTIVLIM-Stroke questionnaire, the Participation Measurement Scale, and the communication domain of the Stroke Impact Scale (r or ρ: 0.42 to 0.54; p < 0.0001). MOSE-Benin has good evidence regarding psychometric properties (i.e., content validity, convergent validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability) that can support its use for the assessment of perceived environmental barriers after stroke in a French-speaking Sub-Saharan African country, such as Benin.