Level of Community Reintegration among Stroke Survivors treated from a Specialized Rehabilitation Center living in Bangladesh; a cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: The research purpose was to explore the level of stroke survivors’ reintegration into the community in Bangladesh. The objectives were: to assess the socio demographic status, determine levels of social integration, home integration, productivity in activities, and to explore inter-relationships between social integration, home integration, and productivity. Methods: Quantitative cross-sectional design was used. Data was collected from approximately 300 stroke survivors discharged from CRP-Savar and CRP-Mirpur. Structured questionnaire and CIQ were employed in the form of interview. Descriptive statistics were reported means, frequency, and percentage. Inferential statistics were reported using Spearman Correlation, Kruskal-Wallis H, and Chi-square test. SPSS (version 26.0), Google form, Microsoft Excel were used to analyze the data. Results: Results revealed that 64.5% were male and 35.5% were female stroke survivors. Most of the stroke survivors were from 61 – 64 years age group, and they stayed in the rural areas (38.9%). The level of community reintegration was reported to be moderate with the mean CIQ score of 13.4 ± 4.5. The moderate level was also reported in social integration (4.9 ± 2.1) and home integration (5.3 ± 2.3). The level of productive activity was reported low (3.2 ± 1.7). The age groups (p<0.05), income (p<0.05), education level (p<0.05), and occupational status (p<0.05) were reported to be statistically significant. The residential area (p>0.05) was reported to be non-significant. The strong positive relationship was seen between social integration and home integration (r=0.58, p<0.05), home integration and productive activity (r=0.28, p<0.05), and social integration and productivity (r=0.53, p<0.05). The most strongly associated variable with total CIQ score was with social integration (r=0.89, p<0.05). Conclusion: The study emphasizes the need for community based rehabilitative interventions targeting the distinct requirements of stroke survivors from the displaced population. Enhancing networks, accessibility, and meaningful participation can maximize the benefits of reintegration. Longitudinal and mixed-methods research studies should be employed in the future to better understand the experiences and long-term needs of the vulnerable population. Keywords: Bangladesh, Community Integration Questionnaire, Community Reintegration, CRP, Low-and-Middle-Income Country, Rehabilitation, Stroke