Management of personal, sexual, and family problems encountered by male stroke survivors in Cavite

• Main Author: Musca, Carlos Corral
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2006
• Subjects: Stroke; Cerebrovascular disease; Public Health
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_masteral/3555; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/context/etd_masteral/article/10393/viewcontent/CDTG004336_P.pdf
• Institution: De La Salle University

This qualitative study explored the influence of socio-demographic characteristics of male stroke survivors who underwent physical therapy at a university - based hospital in Cavite on their personal, sexual and family problems and their management of these problems. Review of patient's records and in-depth interviews were conducted among 15 male stroke survivors who are between 40-60 years old, married for at least 1- 2 years prior to the onset of their stroke, have an occupation prior to stroke, underwent or presently undergoing physical therapy at De La Salle University - Medical Center for at least 1 month with minimal to moderate disability and without cognitive dysfunction or aphasia. Results of the study showed that the most common personal problem experienced by the stroke survivors in Cavite is the loss of job and physical limitations. Reactions to the illness experience like depression, reduced self-esteem and feeling of guilt are also perceived as personal problems. Not all stroke survivors experienced sexual problems because more than half of them did not engage in any sexual activity. Most of the sexual problems experienced by the stroke survivors are erectile dysfunction, pre-mature ejaculation and difficulty in assuming sexual positions. Almost all stroke survivors indicated that their major problem is the financial constraints primarily due to the costs and long duration of treatment for stroke. Other family problems encountered by the survivors are reduced sense of authority at home, minor marital conflict and negative effects to the wife and children. The study also revealed that stroke survivors dealt with each problem differently. To provide solution to the personal problems, non-help seeking behavior like doing self- help activities is a common practice. Non- help seeking behavior is also more evident when dealing with sexual problems as they usually keep the problems to themselves and they did not confide to anybody. In managing family problems, help - seeking behavior of the respondents was evident as they usually discuss the problem with their wife and children, delegate the responsibility to other members of the family and more importantly, ask help, financially or emotionally to the available support systems. The most important support system available for the stroke survivors in Cavite is their family, especially their wives. Relatives, friends, medical professionals and other support groups are also a source of financial, emotional, spiritual, informational and physical support. Occupation and income are the most influential factor in the occurrence of the problem and its management as majority of the problem was deeply rooted to their financial limitations and incapability. Likewise, age was also influential on the onset of personal and sexual problems as well as in dealing with them.