Health related quality of life of stroke survivors: Experience of a stroke unit

摘要

Stroke has a major impact on survivors including Health related Quality of life (HRQoL). HRQoL measurements are potentially more relevant to patients than measurements of impairments or dis-ability and are an important index of outcome after stroke that can facilitate a broader description of disease and outcome. This study examined the factors associated with HRQoL of stroke survivors. Methods: In a cross-sectional and descriptive correlational design, 62 patients were prospectively enrolled and interviewed 3 months post stroke in neurology out-patient clinic. After case identification, functional status (handicap) was determined using the Modified Rankin Scale (MRS), while Zung Depression Self-Rating Scale (ZDS) was used to determine presence of depression. HRQoL was assessed using the Stroke Impact Scale-16 (SIS-16). Age, sex, duration of formal education, depression and degree of disability were correlated with HRQoL in multiple logistic regressions. Results: The mean age of patients was 54.4 ± 9.9 years. Mean duration of formal education was significantly higher in males than females (p value=0.007). About one third (29%) of the stroke survivors were depressed and more than half (54.8%) had good recovery. Function status measured by modified Rankin Scale and depression were independent determinants of poor HRQoL. Conclu-sion: Functional status and depression were identified as independent factors affecting HRQoL of stroke survivors.