Beliefs about stroke and rehabilitation of Bangladeshi Muslims in Tower Hamlets

Background Successful prevention and aftercare of stroke requires an understanding of people's health behaviours and ways of changing them. Compared to the general population, South Asian people have an increased incidence of, and mortality from, stroke. The london borough of Tower Hamlets has a long history of migration and a large proportion of ethnic minorities, including Bangladeshis, which is reflected in the use of local health services. Methods The study employed a qualitative approach to its data analysis. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews with Bangladeshi Muslim stroke patients (n=10) and their carers (n=7), with the help of an interpreter. The interview transcripts were coded and analysed using Braun and Clarke's (2006) contextual thematic analysis. Findings The current study found that participants' knowledge and beliefs about stroke, and its causes, risk factors and treatment, were varied, and that people held individual, social and spiritual explanatory models simultaneously. The current study also suggested that stroke had a major impact on participants' lives and that partiCipants' extended family and religion were important facilitators in recovery. A number of barriers to rehabilitation were identified, including structural and material factors. Conclusion The study suggested that health professionals should enquire about patients' beliefs about their illness and rehabilitation, and challenge them if necessary. Health profeSSionals should also recognise the important role of religion in the lives' of their Muslim patients. The study suggested that religion could provide additional support, which can be utilised in health education and rehabilitation in different ways, including working collaboratively with the religious sector.