Exploring Sensory Overload and Social Withdrawal Among Stroke Survivors: A Mixed Study Design

Background Sensory impairments are common among stroke survivors, significantly impacting their ability to engage in meaningful daily activities and participate in social interactions. However, these sensory changes often go unrecognized in clinical environments, resulting into inadequate rehabilitation and reduced quality of life. This study aimed to examine how changes in sensory health across visual, auditory, tactile, gustatory, and olfactory domains affect activity participation among stroke survivors. Methods Thirty-five participants (20 stroke survivors and 15 stakeholders consisting of 8 occupational therapists, 4 physical therapists, and 3 caregivers) were recruited through purposive sampling of regional stroke support groups, stroke outpatient clinics, and online rehabilitation forums in swat district, Pakistan. Data was collected through focus group discussions held via Zoom between January and March 2024 in order to investigate the lived experiences and perspectives on post-stroke sensory challenges. Data was analyzed using qualitative methods (thematic analysis) and descriptive statistics. Results Most participants were male (60%) with a mean age of 58 years, ranging from 6 to 24 months post-stroke. The main themes identified were (1) sensory impairments frequently go unnoticed during clinical assessments, (2) Sensory changes significantly disrupt routine engagement and active participation in activities of daily living, (3) sensory overload leads to social withdrawal and isolation, and (4) limited resources and the absence of standardized sensory assessment tools hinder effective management of these impairments. Sensory impairments were undetected in 85% of stroke survivors, highlighting a critical gap in clinical assessment. Sensory changes disrupted daily activities, such as cooking and navigation in 90% of participants. Sensory overload led to social withdrawal in 75% of stroke survivors, reducing community engagement. Inadequate resources and lack of standardised sensory assessment tools were reported by 80% of participants. Conclusion The results highlight an urgent need to incorporate targeted sensory assessments and interventions into stroke rehabilitation programs. Culturally sensitive approaches and increased awareness among healthcare professionals are crucial to addressing the unique sensory needs of stroke survivors from diverse backgrounds. Future research should focus on creating standardized sensory health assessment tools, evaluating the effectiveness of sensory modulation therapies, and examining the influence of cultural and socioeconomic factors on sensory rehabilitation outcomes. Prioritizing sensory health in stroke care can improve survivors' functional independence, social engagement, and overall quality of life.