Exploring the lived experiences of community dwelling stroke survivors in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review protocol

A comprehensive review of research exploring the lived experiences of stroke survivors in sub–Saharan Africa has not been published. A scoping review will be undertaken to synthesise the available literature exploring the perspectives of stroke survivors in sub-Saharan Africa. Insights into the lived experience of stroke in countries across the region can contribute significantly to the development of effective, relevant and acceptable policy and post-stroke care. This review is an opportunity to gain greater clarity and enable a deeper understanding of what is already known about people’s experiences of having and living with a stroke and can support progression of further research in the region. The objective of this scoping review is to understand the evidence about the lived experience of stroke in sub-Saharan Africa. The questions guiding the review are: 1. In which countries in sub-Saharan Africa have lived experiences of community dwelling adult stroke survivors been explored? 2. Which methods have been used to explore the lived experiences of community dwelling adult stroke survivors in sub-Saharan Africa? 3. What are the reported lived experiences of community dwelling adult stroke survivors in sub–Saharan Africa? 4. What factors were identified as influencing the experience of having and living with stroke in sub–Saharan Africa? 5. What are the recommendations from the studies for future research regarding lived experience of stroke in sub–Saharan Africa?