Abstract
Background/Objectives
Africa has one of the highest rates of stroke and stroke deaths in the world. The
burden of stroke is increasing with a 3-year mortality rate of up to 84%. Stroke disproportionately
affects the young and middle-aged population contributing to morbidity and mortality
affecting families, communities, health systems, and economic progress. My objectives
of the 2022 Osuntokun Award Lecture at the African Stroke Organization Conference
were to explore our qualitative research findings from our communities and to propose
future qualitative methods for improving stroke outcomes in Africa.
Methods
Qualitative research processes and findings related to stroke prevention, treatment/ongoing
care, recovery, and knowledge and attitudes influencing ethical, legal and social
implications related to stroke neuro-biobanking were explored. For each qualitative
study, methods were developed by the research team including: (1) plans to implement
aims and ethics review; (2) guides and detailed steps for implementation; (3) training
for team; (4) pilot testing, data collection, transport, transcription, storage; (5)
data analysis and manuscript development.
Results
The research focused on genetics, genomics and phenomics of stroke and more recently
on exploring the ethical, legal, and social implications of stroke neuro-biobanking.
All included a qualitative component to obtain input and guidance from the community.
As in quantitative research, questions were developed by the research team, reviewed
for clarity by a small group of community members, and 1,289 community members (ages
22–85) participated in the focus groups and key informant interviews from 2014 through
2022. Answers to questions were diverse with some knowledgeable about the science
of stroke prevention and treatment, but many had ideas about prevention and causes
of stroke that were not supported by science and many reported using traditional healers
for treatment and religious beliefs preventing brain biobanking.
Conclusions
In addition to our current qualitative research related to stroke in Africa and beyond,
we must form research partnerships with communities that not only answer researchers’
and community members’ questions but identify and implement ways to prevent stroke
and improve stroke outcomes.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 02, 2023
Accepted:
February 20,
2023
Received in revised form:
February 17,
2023
Received:
January 25,
2023
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofIdentification
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2023.107060
Copyright
© 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
