Cohen, Jenna Lee2025-10-202024Cohen, Jenna Lee. (2024). Management of Upper Limb Pain in Stroke Survivors: The Current Practice of Occupational Therapists in South Africa [Master`s dissertation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg]. WIReDSpace. https://hdl.handle.net/10539/47103https://hdl.handle.net/10539/47103A research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, in the Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Therapeutic Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024Introduction: Stroke is a significant health concern in South Africa, leading to adult disability and mortality. Post-stroke pain, especially in the upper limb, disrupts survivors' daily lives. Occupational therapists play a pivotal role in managing this pain, but the literature suggests deficiencies in recognizing and addressing it effectively. This study aimed to describe occupational therapists' practices in managing upper limb pain post-stroke in South Africa. Methodology: A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study surveyed occupational therapists who routinely treat stroke survivors. Descriptive statistics and content analyses were used. Results: One hundred responses were included for analysis. The survey revealed that 96.7% of participants recognised pain as prevalent among stroke patients. Notably, 48.9% always included pain management in interventions, while 43.5% lacked necessary skills and 16.3% reported time constraints. Therapists primarily focused on neuromusculoskeletal aspects of pain, with some considering mental functions, activities, participation, and environmental factors. Conclusion: The study emphasised the burden of post-stroke upper limb pain in South Africa, urging enhanced occupational therapy interventions. Occupational therapists mainly address body structures and functions associated with pain, indicating the potential to strengthen the focus on activity and participation while considering contextual factors. Incorporating pain management into occupational therapy interventions for stroke survivors across all levels of care is recommended, alongside the development of evidence-based guidelines tailored to occupational therapy.en© 2024 University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.UCTDPost-stroke painstroke rehabilitationoccupational therapy interventionspain assessmentpain management techniquesSouth African healthcareDissertationUniversity of the Witwatersrand, JohannesburgSDG-3: Good health and well-being