Abstract
Introduction: Stroke is the third leading cause of death and the main cause of severe adult disability in New Zealand. It results in a myriad of motor, sensory and cognitive impairments, such as compromised functional mobility and speech. The impact of stroke on oral function and oral health is scarcely investigated; yet oral function and oral health are crucial aspects affecting the quality of life of stroke survivors.
Aims: This qualitative study investigated the perceived consequences of stroke on oral function (biting, chewing, and swallowing) and oral health through the lived experiences and narratives of stroke survivors.
Methods: A qualitative study with semi-structured interviews was conducted with nine New Zealand adult stroke survivors (five males, four females, aged 57 to 84, all New Zealand Europeans) who had ischemic or haemorrhagic strokes over six months prior. These interviews aimed to explore participants’ experiences with oral function and oral health, as well as to assess their access to services. An inductive approach was used to identify recurring patterns and nuances in participants’ narratives related to oral function and oral health post-stroke. Reporting of the findings followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ).
Findings: Four content categories were identified from the data: 1) Challenges in oral care and oral function in stroke survivors; 2) Oral care provision by professional health services need improvement; 3) Barriers to accessing post-stroke oral care for stroke survivors; 4) Post-stroke oral adaptations and lifestyle changes. Findings revealed survivors experienced a range of challenges in oral function and oral health following stroke. Swallowing difficulties, reduced chewing efficiency, oral sensory changes and diminished oral hygiene practices were identified as common occurrences. Participants also highlighted the lack of care in hospital and follow- up, emphasising the need for tailored interventions and support.
Conclusion: Stroke impacts oral function and oral health to differing extents, revealing significant gaps in our current health care system. The identified content categories provide a foundation for developing targeted interventions and support strategies throughout different stages of stroke management to improve the oral health-related quality of life of stroke survivors. We recommend implementing specialised rehabilitation programmes focused on oral function and oral health during the post-acute recovery phase to restore function more effectively and efficiently. Additionally, this research highlights the need for oral health education for staff on stroke wards to improve the early management of oral hygiene for stroke survivors.