Exploring caregivers’ perceptions of post-stroke fatigue: a qualitative study in Saudi Arabia

Post-stroke fatigue (PSF) affects nearly half of stroke survivors and imposes significant strain on caregivers. This study explored the perceptions and experiences of caregivers in Saudi Arabia to identify challenges, coping strategies, and rehabilitation needs.
Eleven caregivers, including one professional, participated in semi-structured interviews conducted in Arabic. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis to identify recurrent themes.
Five themes emerged (1): manifestations of PSF, including physical, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms (2); triggers and fluctuations related to physical exertion, environmental stressors, and comorbidities (3); coping strategies such as activity pacing, emotional reinforcement, and cultural or spiritual practices (4); knowledge gaps and reliance on trial-and-error learning due to lack of professional guidance; and (5) caregiver burden, including sleep disruption, emotional strain, and social isolation. Caregivers consistently emphasized their need for structured education and support resources.
Caregivers play a pivotal role in stroke rehabilitation yet often lack knowledge and resources to manage PSF effectively. Rehabilitation programs should integrate caregiver education, culturally sensitive strategies, and psychological support to reduce caregiver burden and optimize patient outcomes.

In Saudi Arabia, caregivers of stroke survivors often lack structured professional guidance on managing post-stroke fatigue; therefore, integrating caregiver education into rehabilitation programs is essential.
Rehabilitation interventions should be culturally sensitive, incorporating family support and spiritual practices that caregivers already use to cope.
Beyond the local context, these findings highlight the global importance of addressing caregiver burden through psychological support, respite, and inclusion in family-centered care may enhance both caregiver well-being and patient outcomes.
Involving caregivers as active partners in multidisciplinary rehabilitation teams can strengthen motivation, pacing strategies, and adherence to recovery plans.

In Saudi Arabia, caregivers of stroke survivors often lack structured professional guidance on managing post-stroke fatigue; therefore, integrating caregiver education into rehabilitation programs is essential.
Rehabilitation interventions should be culturally sensitive, incorporating family support and spiritual practices that caregivers already use to cope.
Beyond the local context, these findings highlight the global importance of addressing caregiver burden through psychological support, respite, and inclusion in family-centered care may enhance both caregiver well-being and patient outcomes.
Involving caregivers as active partners in multidisciplinary rehabilitation teams can strengthen motivation, pacing strategies, and adherence to recovery plans.