Parenting after stroke: a systematic review

<p><b>Background</b> Stroke is a leading cause of disability in the United States, resulting in physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments. One in ten strokes occur in adults younger than 50 years of age and the incidence has increased approximately 44% from 2000 to 2010. Young adult survivors have specific needs related to their developmental stage including childcare responsibilities. Despite the high value placed on parenting by society, parenting is currently not assessed at any stage of stroke rehabilitation.</p> <p><b>Objective</b> To determine the state of the science on parenting after stroke</p> <p><b>Methods</b> A literature search of multiple electronic databases was conducted from 1964 to February 2018. Select key words were adapted for use in each database. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses guidelines were followed.</p> <p><b>Results</b> One thousand two hundred and forty-one articles were identified from electronic databases. After deduplication, abstract/title review, and full-text review, ten studies were included. Nine of the studies were qualitative and one was a retrospective cohort study. Survivors in all but one of the qualitative studies reported limitations in parenting tasks after stroke. Changes in social relationships and participation as a parent in other life domains as a result of stroke were also described by survivors.</p> <p><b>Conclusion</b> Findings from this systematic review of the perspectives of stroke survivors actively parenting suggest that residual stroke impairments lead to both activity limitations and participation restrictions. However, the literature available on parenting after stroke is limited and there is a significant opportunity to advance this area of stroke research.</p