| Summary: | Background: Previous studies have shown reduction in quality of life after stroke, and also variations among European countries. This study aims to explore and compare quality of life and recovery-processes in a region of North-Norway and a region in Central Denmark. We specifically searched for individual, process-related and contextual factors associated with recovery and quality of life following stroke. Purpose: This qualitative study is part of the multicentre ‘NORDA-study’ describing and comparing stroke-pathways and quality of life in a region of North-Norway and Central Denmark Region, both qualitative and quantitatively. Methods Individual in-depth interviews with 11 stroke survivors were performed at twelve months after stroke onset. Phenomenological perspectives shaped the interview-process and the processing of data. An inductive approach through systematic text condensation was used. Theory of embodiment enlightened the perspective on quality of life and recovery and formed a basis analysing data. Results Exploring the unfolding phenomena of quality of life one year after stroke in two regions in Norway and Denmark, we found that quality of life was closely related to the individuals’ reconstruction of the embodied self; how they made sense of the world and what they thought of themselves in relation to what they could or could not do in diverse contexts or interactions with others. We identified three intertwined and negotiating processes; a familiar self, an unfamiliar self, and recovery of self. The reconstruction of embodied self, related to different facilitators or hindrances for quality of life throughout the recovery-process. Factors as enriching social relations, successful return to work, and continuity and presence in professional support during the recovery-process influenced quality of life positively. Fatigue, sustained reduced function, hindered partaking in meaningful activities, all predisposed quality of life negatively. The variances in professional support revealed differences ...
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