Perception of Recurrent Risk among Elderly Patients with Minor Ischemic Strokes

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to describe the perceptions of recurrent risk based on the experience of elderly patients with minor ischemic strokes.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 patients with minor ischemic strokes, aged between 65 and 88, and the interview data about their thoughts of recurrent risk, disease, and health management were qualitatively and descriptively analyzed.

Results: Narratives of the elderly patients with minor ischemic strokes showed that they did not seriously perceive risks of recurrence, stating that [I cannot clearly imagine what the recurrence is like], [I do not know what to do to prevent recurrence], and [It is no use worrying excessively about recurrences]. It was also shown that they thought indefinitely about recurrences based on their evaluation of the own paroxysm of disease and their health management, stating that [My stroke was minor and I am recovering], and [Before the stroke occurred, I have been able to manage my health].

Conclusion: Elderly patients with minor ischemic strokes do not perceive the significance of and vulnerability to recurrence, and are insufficiently motivated to prevent the recurrence. These findings suggest that nurses need to understand the subjective patient perceptions of the recurrence risk, and attempt to provide support as appears necessary based on the understanding presented by individual patients.