• Gerard Urimubenshi.
• Department of Physiotherapy, University of Rwanda, Rwanda.
• Afr Health Sci. 2015 Sep 1; 15 (3): 917924917-24.

BackgroundStroke is a major cause of long-term disability. Information regarding the limitations in activity and participation experienced by patients with stroke in a specific setting such as Musanze district in Rwanda would assist to develop the rehabilitation programmes that would take into consideration the functional challenges experienced post stroke.ObjectiveTo explore the activity limitations and participation restrictions experienced by people with stroke in Musanze district in Rwanda.MethodsA qualitative phenomenological approach using in-depth face-to-face interviews with 10 participants was employed to gather the data that was analyzed using a qualitative thematic approach.ResultsThe themes that arose as activity limitations included limitations in walking, self care, and domestic life activities. The themes related to participation restrictions as expressed by the participants were inability to return to previous occupation, decreased social interactions and inability to participate in religious activities.ConclusionThe current study findings highlight the need for interventions to improve the functional status of stroke survivors.

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