Psychological experience and social reintegration needs of young stroke patients: a systematic review and meta-aggregation of qualitative studies

Background: The visible physical dysfunction and invisible psychological effects after stroke prevent young patients from returning to their pre-stroke roles and social activities. Purpose/Aim: To comprehensively analyze the psychological experience and social reintegration needs of young stroke patients, which may be beneficial for improving quality of life and social reintegration after stroke. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search of 10 databases. The screening and quality assessment of the included articles were performed by the Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument (QARI). Meta-aggregation was conducted to synthesize the findings of the included studies. We summarized the certainty of confidence using the Confidence in Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research (CERQual) approach. Results: A total of 5506 studies were screened, of which 12 were included. Data synthesis suggested two new themes: (a) the self-growth process from denial of stroke to accepting stroke (high CERQual confidence), and (b) desire to regain pre-stroke normality, but having difficulty in the social reintegration process (high CERQual confidence). Conclusion: Stroke, as a traumatic event, disrupts the life structure of young patients, and their needs of reintegration are not adequately considered. Interventions based on the principle of individuation should focus on this issue to restore continuity in life after stroke.