Loneliness in acquired brain injury; a qualitative exploration of lived experience.

IF 1.5 4区 医学 Q4 NEUROSCIENCES
Orla Duffy, Katy Pedlow, Jacqueline Pogue, Julie-Ann Jordan, Laura Dunlop, Rachael Agnew, Ian Taylor, Robert Rauch
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Abstract

Objective: Loneliness is one of the biggest health concerns in the UK and is recognized as a health priority in Northern Ireland. Following an acquired brain injury (ABI), there is a sudden and catastrophic loss of function, impacting many areas of life, including loneliness. We explored the meaning of loneliness for adults with ABI and the experiences and factors influencing their loneliness.

Design: Qualitative study including three focus groups and four individual interviews, using a semi-structured interview guide, and recorded online.

Methods: Participants were recruited from the Community Brain Injury team caseload. Twenty-three adults (6 female, 17 male), ranging from 2 to 24 years post - ABI, participated. Data were thematically analyzed using a deductive approach, using framework analysis to guide theme development.

Results: Loneliness had a different meaning to participants, yet all experienced it at some point in their journey post-ABI. Four themes were derived from the focus group transcriptions; 1) 'A black hole with no sun' (definition) 2) 'A missing piece' (impairments) 3) 'I've become poor old mum' (identity) 4) 'Our own kind' (coping). Sub-themes were derived providing an in-depth exploration.

Conclusions: Supporting loneliness post-ABI is challenging and multifactorial. Early identification and support by clinical teams is crucial. The findings suggest mechanisms to provide such support, directly from those with lived experience.

后发性脑损伤中的孤独感对生活经验的定性探索。
目的:孤独是英国最大的健康问题之一,被认为是北爱尔兰的健康优先事项。在获得性脑损伤(ABI)之后,会出现突然和灾难性的功能丧失,影响生活的许多领域,包括孤独。本研究探讨ABI成人孤独感的意义及影响其孤独感的经历和因素。设计:定性研究包括三个焦点小组和四个个人访谈,使用半结构化访谈指南,并在线记录。方法:参与者从社区脑损伤小组病例中招募。23名成人(6名女性,17名男性),年龄在ABI后2 - 24岁。使用演绎方法对数据进行主题分析,使用框架分析来指导主题发展。结果:孤独对参与者有不同的含义,但所有人在abi后的旅程中都经历过孤独。四个主题来自焦点小组的转录;1)“没有太阳的黑洞”(定义)“缺失的一块”(缺陷)3)“我变成了可怜的老妈妈”(身份)“我们的同类”(应对)。衍生了子主题,提供了深入的探索。结论:支持abi后孤独感是具有挑战性和多因素的。临床团队的早期识别和支持至关重要。研究结果提出了直接从有生活经验的人那里提供这种支持的机制。
本文章由计算机程序翻译,如有差异,请以英文原文为准。
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来源期刊
Brain injury
Brain injury 医学-康复医学
CiteScore
3.50
自引率
5.30%
发文量
148
审稿时长
12 months
期刊介绍: Brain Injury publishes critical information relating to research and clinical practice, adult and pediatric populations. The journal covers a full range of relevant topics relating to clinical, translational, and basic science research. Manuscripts address emergency and acute medical care, acute and post-acute rehabilitation, family and vocational issues, and long-term supports. Coverage includes assessment and interventions for functional, communication, neurological and psychological disorders.
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