Understanding healthcare providers' perspectives on barriers to accessing stroke care at a resource-limited hospital in East Africa: A qualitative study from Mnazi Mmoja Referral Hospital in Zanzibar.

ABSTRACT: Timely and appropriate care reduces the risk of mortality and disability after stroke. Despite high stroke incidence, little is known about the specific barriers to accessing stroke care in Zanzibar, East Africa. The aim of this study was to investigate healthcare providers' perspectives regarding the barriers to stroke care at the main referral hospital in Zanzibar. We used a phenomenological approach and conducted 14 individual semi-structured interviews with healthcare providers at Mnazi Mmoja Referral Hospital in Zanzibar. The interviews took place from April through September 2022. Thematic network analysis was applied to analyse and interpret the data. Three broad themes and eleven sub-themes were identified, relevant at specific stages in the patient's care pathway from deciding to

SUBMITTER: Jorgensen JMA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11849830 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature