Barriers to medication adherence for secondary stroke prevention in rural communities in Cameroon: a qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Stroke survivors in rural communities may face unique challenges in accessing and adhering to medications for secondary prevention. This qualitative study aimed to explore the factors associated with medication adherence among stroke survivors in rural settings.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 stroke survivors, 5 caregivers, and 5 healthcare providers in rural communities. We conducted thematic analysis of the data using a grounded theory approach.

Results

Six key themes emerged: access (subthemes: inefficient/non-existent healthcare services, limited access to health facilities, shortages of medications), medication-related (subthemes: side effects and polytherapy), patient-level (subthemes: beliefs and knowledge about stroke and me

SUBMITTER: Njohjam MN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12023389 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature