Abstract

Background: Understanding the consequences of perceived self-care ability in stroke patients living at home is of great importance, as it is associated with continuity of care, health promotion, and improved quality of life. Objectives: The current study aimed at determining the consequences of perceived self-care ability in stroke patients living at home in Iran. Methods: In this qualitative study, conventional content analysis was performed. Both unstructured and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 patients, who had experienced chronic strokes. One interview was conducted at home, while nine others were conducted at the rehabilitation centers of Tehran, Iran. Sampling continued until reaching data saturation. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and entered in MAXQDA. Content analysis was performed based on Graneheim and Lundman's five-step approach. Results: Two main categories and three subcategories were extracted in this study. The two main categories included "promotion of adaptive strategies" (self-efficacy and adaptation to disability) and "maintaining a healthy lifestyle" (individual autonomy). Conclusions: Based on the findings, the more patients are aware of their abilities and restrictions, the more they will be able to cope with the consequences of their disease during the transition from the acute to chronic phase; these patients can also adopt more suitable coping strategies.