Stroke is the second major cause of death and disability worldwide. Most stroke survivors experience various challenges due to physical and mental impairments which increase the burden on spouses during care. The broad aim of this study was to explore the challenges and experiences of stroke patients and their spouses during and after rehabilitation at the Rehabilitation Centre in Blantyre, Malawi. Methods This was a qualitative exploratory study design. We conveniently selected 18 participants. Half of the population comprised patients and the other half spouses. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions and were analysed using thematic content analysis. Results Stroke patients were found to be challenged by lack of mobility and failure to perform basic functional activities such as walking and feeding using the affected hand, which resulted in sudden dependence on the spouse for basic self-care and daily activities. In consequence, spouses were burdened by care-giving responsibilities while, on the other hand, most participants had limited access to rehabilitation and health services at the grassroots level. Moreover, congestion and lack of privacy were shown to exist at the Kachere Rehabilitation Centre due to inadequate space. Conclusion This study has managed to show some of the problems that stroke patients and spouses experience during and after rehabilitation. There is a need for early and adequate intervention to address functional limitations and facilitate return to work. Spouses should be made to understand the condition of their partner and educated regarding possible implications of the same. In addition, social and psychological support should form an inseparable part of the therapy. Stroke support groups and association could be considered as a way of enhancing social support and awareness.

This study explored the experiences and perceptions of sexuality and HIV/ AIDS among 15-24 year-old young people with physical disabilities in a South African Township characterised by high unemployment rates and lack of social services. Ten young people and ten parents participated in multiple individual interviews as well as in focus group discussions. The analysis of audio taped and transcribed responses identified common experiences and perceptions among participants. The results indicate that disabled young people have limited factual knowledge about sexuality and HIV/AIDS. The decisions and choices they make about sexual behaviour are not informed by what they know; rather, they are part of the whole life situation in Nyanga. Their need to be loved and accepted, need for job security and family life, were more important than practicing 'safe sex'. Therefore, there is need for HIV/AIDS programme developers to take into account the experiences and perceptions of the target population.

Rehabilitation professionals need to widen their scope of practice to include the promotion of good sexual and reproductive health for disabled young people.

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The use of long-term skeletal traction has a devastating impact on the patients and families, and causes major frustrations to health workers involved with fracture management in a low-resource setting. Implications for Rehabilitation As stated by various health care providers, there is a need to improve trauma care, strengthen rehabilitation services and educate more rehabilitation staff so they can take up the different roles and functions required in treatment and rehabilitation after injuries and other debilitating conditions. In the current situation, sufficient pain relief for patients is required. This should go hand in hand with the empowerment of patients so as to fulfill their rights to quality health services. For health care providers, multidisciplinary teamwork, enhanced specialized education and skills, improved access to adequate equipment and developing standardized procedures appear essential in order to improve fracture management. With injuries representing a growing portion of the global burden of disease, and in the changing demographic panorama with aging populations in Africa and the world at large, injury prevention, trauma care- and rehabilitation need a stronger focus in public health globally.