<b>Caregiver Perspectives, Social Determinants, and Health System Barriers in Paediatric Stroke in Africa: A Qualitative Scoping Review</b>

Paediatric stroke (PS) outcomes in Africa are shaped not only by biomedical factors but also by social determinants and caregiver experiences. This scoping review aims to map qualitative evidence on PS across African countries, focusing on caregiver perspectives, health system barriers, and sociocultural influences. It will include qualitative and mixed-methods studies. This review will be conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews and reported in accordance with the PRISMA Extension for scoping reviews( PRISMA-ScR). A thematic synthesis approach, informed by Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis methodology and aligned with JBI and PRISMA-ScR guidance, will be used to analyse and integrate qualitative findings. In addition, to contextualise findings within an equity-oriented lens, this review will draw upon the South African Multidimensional Poverty Index (SAMPI), the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) framework of the World Health Organization, and the Nurturing Care Framework (NCF). The results of the study will inform policy and guidelines on paediatric stroke in the African and other low-middle income country settings.