Beyond the hospital: family caregivers’ experiences in supporting stroke recovery in Ghana

INTRODUCTION: Stroke remains a leading cause of mortality and long-term disability globally, with profound consequences for both survivors and their families. In Ghana, where formal post-stroke rehabilitation and long-term care services are limited, family caregivers play a central role in supporting stroke survivors. However, there is limited qualitative evidence on how caregivers understand stroke and experience caregiving within their sociocultural context, creating a gap in knowledge needed to inform context-specific interventions. METHODS: This qualitative study explored the experiences of family caregivers of stroke survivors attending Suntreso Government Hospital in Ghana. Fifteen caregivers were purposively selected. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Caregivers demonstrated partial awareness of stroke risk factors, particularly hypertension and diabetes; however, stroke onset was often perceived as sudden and unexpected, reflecting gaps between knowledge and functional preparedness. Caregiving involved intensive support with activities of daily living, including feeding, bathing, mobility assistance, and medication management, which substantially disrupted caregivers' social, economic, and occupational lives. Many caregivers reduced or discontinued work, resulting in significant financial strain. In addition, some caregivers reported stigma linked to sociocultural beliefs attributing stroke to spiritual causes or curses. Despite these challenges, caregivers relied on coping strategies such as religious faith, hope for patient recovery, and a strong sense of familial obligation. CONCLUSION: Family caregivers of stroke survivors in Ghana experience multidimensional burdens shaped by intensive care demands, economic constraints, stigma, and limited formal support systems. The findings highlight the need for integrated interventions that extend beyond patient-focused care to include caregiver training, psychosocial support, financial protection mechanisms, and community-based rehabilitation services. Strengthening these systems is essential for improving both caregiver well-being and stroke recovery outcomes in resource-limited settings.