Exploring post-stroke fatigue from the perspective of stroke survivors: what strategies help? A qualitative study.

Purpose: Post-stroke fatigue is a research priority for stroke survivors and health professionals but there is limited evidence to guide management. We aimed to explore (1) the experience of post-stroke fatigue from the perspective of stroke survivors and their caregivers and (2) fatigue management strategies that are used.

Materials And Methods: This was a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. People with self-reported post-stroke fatigue and caregivers were recruited using maximum variation sampling. Analysis was done via the framework approach.

Results: We recruited 17 stroke survivors, nine male (53%), most under 65 years ( = 12, 76%), and greater than 1-year post-stroke ( = 16, 94%, range 10-months to 22-years). One-third of participants self-reported having aphasia ( = 5, 36%). We also recruited eight caregivers, most of whom were female ( = 7, 88%). We identified four themes: (1) ; (2) ; (3) ; and (4) .

Conclusions: Post-stroke fatigue experience varies presenting cognitively, physically, and psychologically according to a complex interplay of biopsychosocial factors and personal triggers. Self-management strategies are individualised and include organisation, medications, lifestyle modifications, and peer support.