Background:
Stroke is a leading cause of adult disability and reduction in quality of life, but little is known about the social, demographic, clinical and functional elements that contribute to perceived quality of life after stroke.
Objective:
To determine the factors associated with patient perception of the effect that stroke has on quality of life.
Methods:
The STEP-South Carolina Project surveyed 162 stroke survivors one year after their event, assessing clinical and functional outcomes and patient perceptions of the magnitude of the impact of stroke on their quality of life (“no effect”, “some effect”, or “great effect”). Multivariate analyses were performed to determine the relationship between the patients’ perceived effect of stroke on quality of life and demographic features, functional abilities, stroke severity, and medical comorbidities.
Results:
Multivariate analyses showed no difference in age, race, gender or insurance status. As shown in the table, multivariate analyses (adjusted for NIHSS, age, race, gender, and insurance status) demonstrated that a history of prior stroke, use of therapy services, lower functional independence in ADLs, not driving, and history of diabetes were associated with a patient’s perception of a “greater effect” on quality of life.
Conclusion:
The perception of the impact of stroke on quality of life is influenced by both functional outcomes and clinical factors post-stroke. Further study is needed to find ways of mitigating these factors to improve patient perceived quality of life.
HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE IN CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES: A BALANCING ACT