The challenges of travelling after stroke have dramatically reduced my quality of life - a survey of a neglected traveller population

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Gustafsson, Louise
Walder, Kim
Hodson, Tenelle
Trevorrow, Shane
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2022
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Sydney, Australia

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Background: The tourism and holiday industries are multi-million dollar businesses and travellers with a disability are a diverse, neglected traveller population. Research into accessible or inclusive travel is in its infancy and there is limited research after stroke. Aims: To explore the travel experiences, motivations, patterns, and attitudes of stroke survivors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey collected demographic information, self-rated health, stroke-related information, travel patterns, modified Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, and included travel specific questionnaires. Results: Thirty-five stroke survivors (mean age 56.6 years) responded, four received assistance to complete the survey, and global disability scores ranged from none to moderately severe. Travel patterns changed significantly post-stroke including day trips through to long haul overseas travel (p < .001). The importance of travel was rated 7.8 out of 10, self-rated performance was 6.8, and satisfaction was 5.7. Performance was associated with self-rated health (rs = .519, p = .001) and global disability score (rs = -.444, p = .008). Satisfaction was associated with self-rated health (rs = .527, p = .001). Participants travelled to: places where they felt safe and secure; visit friends and relatives; be in control and free; and escape their usual environments. Reported attitudes and experiences of travel suggest they expected, and then experienced, challenges with access, requiring assistance of others, and difficulty obtaining travel insurance. Conclusion: Stroke survivors experience challenges in travel, consider travel important and are not satisfied with current performance. Personal and environmental factors influence this outcome and further research is required to co-develop solutions.

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International Journal of Stroke

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17

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1_suppl

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Subject

Neurosciences

Clinical sciences

Allied health and rehabilitation science

Cardiovascular System & Cardiology

Clinical Neurology

Life Sciences & Biomedicine

Neurosciences & Neurology

Peripheral Vascular Disease

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Gustafsson, L; Walder, K; Hodson, T; Trevorrow, S, The challenges of travelling after stroke have dramatically reduced my quality of life - a survey of a neglected traveller population, International Journal of Stroke, 2022, 17 (1_suppl), pp. 12-12