Rural-urban disparities in stroke outcomes: unveiling quality of life, self-efficacy and healthcare utilization patterns of stroke patients in Türkiye

The results of this study show that people living in rural areas experience reduced quality of life and confidence in managing their stroke compared to those residing in urban areas. Rural individuals with strokes often depend more on family physicians, urgent care facilities, and rehabilitation services for medical support. To improve the wellbeing and outcomes of stroke patients in rural regions, it is essential to address the limited access to rehabilitation services, healthcare infrastructure, resources, and medical professionals through policy changes and innovative strategies such as telerehabilitation.