Browsing by Author "Visagie, Waldo Bradley"

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    Transport access in Worcester: the lived experiences of stroke survivors
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2021-12) Visagie, Waldo Bradley; Visagie, Surona; Fredericks, Jerome Peter; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Centre for Rehabilitation Studies.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY : Aim of the study: To explore the lived experiences of stroke survivors regarding access to transport in Worcester, Western Cape. The study focused on public and private transport. Regarding public transport the focus was on minibus taxis as busses and trains did not operate in the study community. Methods: This study implemented a descriptive qualitative design. The study population consisted of stroke survivors who lived in Worcester and used wheelchairs for mobility. Eight participants were identified, with whom semi-structured telephonic interviews were held. Thematic analysis with an inductive reasoning process was used to analyse and generate themes from the data. Findings: The four themes derived from the data were: 1). Community mobility modes; 2). Physical aspects to consider when accessing transport; 3). Acceptability of transport and 4). Psycho-social consequences of transport challenges. Community mobility was achieved via wheelchairs, or by private or public transport. Powered wheelchairs were deemed to be an alternative mode of transportation. Barriers identified were negative attitudes of drivers and co-commuters, getting into and out of transport and costs of accessing transport. The goodwill and considerate nature of some the taxi drivers as well as access to private vehicles facilitated transport access. Overall participants’ ability to reintegrate into their communities were hindered by transport access. Challenges with regard to access to transport led to social anxiety, dependency, loss of spontaneity and social isolation. Conclusion: The richness of participants’ experiences added knowledge and value to an often covered topic, i.e. transport access for persons with disabilities. The recommendations provide tangible ideas that can be explored by policy makers, rehabilitation service providers, disabled persons’ organisations, transport service providers and stroke survivors to enhance access to transport and through that community integration for stroke survivors.