The relationship between social support and participation in stroke: A systematic review.

Background: The incidence of cerebrovascular accidents with its devastating effects on individuals is increasing. Post-stroke, restrictions in participation are common and social support could have an influence on this. Social support provided to individuals post-stroke is vital, but the relationship between social support and participation is not well understood.

Factors predicting community participation in patients living with stroke, in the Western Cape, South Africa.

An important focus of poststroke rehabilitation is the attainment of community participation. However, several factors may influence participation some of which vary from setting to setting. The aim of this study is to investigate the factors influencing community participation among community-dwelling stroke survivors in the Western Cape, South Africa.

Using the World Health Organization's Disability Assessment Schedule (2) to assess disability in community-dwelling stroke patients.

Background: Measurement of the extent of disability post-stroke is important to determine the impact of disability on these individuals and the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing the impact of their disability. Instruments used to measure disability should, however, be culturally sensitive.

Objective: The aim of this study was to conduct a disability assessment using the World Health Organization's Disability Assessment Schedule 2.