Impacts on productivity and leisure among stroke patients and caregivers at a community rehabilitation center: A descriptive exploratory survey
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Abstract
Background: Stroke patients and caregivers need productive and leisure activities to support recovery and maintain family income, health, and well-being. Among those participating in the Thai community rehabilitation center, few studies have been conducted. However, local government-supported facilities and accessibility challenges influenced these occupations. Thus, the impacts on these occupations remain a knowledge gap to be explored among both stroke patients and caregivers to better understand them before improving occupational therapy services in community rehabilitation centers.
Objectives: This survey research aimed to explore the impacts on productivity and leisure among stroke patients and caregivers at a community rehabilitation center.
Materials and methods: This exploratory study recruited participants using purposive sampling. The voluntary participants comprised 24 participants: 11 patients receiving occupational therapy services at the Lamphun Municipality Public Health Service Center and 13 caregivers. Data were collected between October 2025 and February 2026. Demographic data, the developed occupational impact form (adapted from the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure and the Thai assessment of occupational performance in psychiatric patients), and semistructured interview questions were used. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.
Results: Most negative impacts resulting from stroke were found in the productive and leisure aspects, with only positive impacts on receiving services from the community rehabilitation center. Among the patient group, the total average score of importance was 7.88, while the total average scores of performance and satisfaction were 4.21 and 5.83, respectively. Major impacts included the loss of occupational roles, leading to decreased productivity, and limited leisure activities characterized by sedentary behaviors, which affected self-value. For caregivers, the total average score for importance was 7.15, while the total average scores for performance and satisfaction were 7.59 and 7.59, respectively. Although caregivers perceived caregiving as meaningful, they experienced increased responsibilities and reduced time for leisure, which contributed to fatigue and economic instability.
Conclusion: Stroke patients and caregivers at the community rehabilitation center still recognize the importance of productivity and leisure activities; however, the stroke patients’ perception of performance and satisfaction was low. According to their perceptions, limitations in restoring work and family roles remain. Occupational therapy programs should integrate vocational rehabilitation and meaningful leisure activities to promote holistic health and well-being.
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Personal views expressed by the contributors in their articles are not necessarily those of the Journal of Associated Medical Sciences, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University.
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