Table 4 QOL themes emerging through focus group discussion (FGD`S) and in-depth interviews

Impact of stroke on life of patient

Impact on independent status of patient

1. Change in life because of functional dependence.

Impact on psychosocial behavior of patient

1. Patient’s depression.

2. Patient’s alterations in behavior.

3. Patient’s reaction regarding their life.

Suffering of patient after stroke

1. Uncertainty about future, shock and dismay.

Effect on life of primary care givers

Change in life of primary care giver

1. Change in personality of primary care giver guilt, anger and self-blame.

2. Increased responsibility.

Primary care giver distress

1. Primary care giver worries and frustration.

2. Effect on health of primary care giver.

3. Reaction of family towards patient condition after stroke.

Primary care giver desire

1. Wish support and burden sharing.

Quality of life

Perception of quality of life

1. QOL may depend on physical independence, isolation and loneliness.

2. QOL is affection/ encouragement and giving hope to patients.

How to improve quality of life of stroke patients

1. Psychosocial, spiritual teachings and workshops with group activities to give confidence to patient.

2. Unfamiliarity with how to improve patient’s QOL.

3. Encourage primary care givers to improve QOL.

4. Proper education of the society to except and help disable people.

5. Restoration of physical functioning is QOL.

Future demands

1. Proper health management team to give holistic care to patient and family

2. Need of GP system to manage most of the conditions of the patients.

Primary care giver QOL

1. Improvement of primary care giver QOL.

2. Encouragement and guidance for primary care giver.

3.Establishing a tele-health service.