Abstract P831: Use of the Neuro-QoL Measures for Assessment of Contributors to Long-Term Quality of Life, Post-Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Abstract

Background: Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) survivors are at high risk for poor quality of life (QoL). Standard outpatient neurologic assessment may not capture some affective and cognitive factors important for long-term QoL, and reintegration into normal social roles. The purpose of this study is to determine the utility of the Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders (Neuro-QoL) measures for assessment of such factors in nursing practice. Methods: Standard demographic and clinical characteristics were collected on patients >1 year post-aSAH, along with self-report information on seven Neuro-QoL measures (Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities [ABL]; Satisfaction with Social Roles and Activities [SATIS]; Cognitive Function [COG]; Depression [DEP]; Anxiety [ANX]; Lower Extremity Function - Mobility [LE] & Upper Extremity Function - Fine Motor [UE]). Scores are T-scores with mean 50(±10). Associations were determined using Spearman correlations or paired t-tests as appropriate. Results: Participants (N=35) were 48.6(±12.5) years, 4.7(±3.6) years post aSAH, 80% female, 65.7% African American, and mean Hunt Hess Grade 2.3(±0.8). Age, race, and gender were not associated with Neuro-QoL outcomes. Our average sample T-scores were: ABL=45.3; SATIS=47.6; COG=44.3; DEP=49.3; ANX=51.3; LE=46.5; UE=46.7. COG was associated with ABL and SATIS ( p <0.02). ANX was associated with ABL ( p =0.02). UE and LE were associated with ABL (r=0.5, p =0.001; r=0.8, p <0.0001, respectively) and SATIS (r=0.5, p =0.005; r=0.8, p <0.0001). Conclusions: The Neuro-QoL measures provide an effective tool for nursing assessment of QoL in post-aSAH. Although physical disability impairs social integration, we also found that cognitive and anxiety symptoms uniquely influenced the ability to integrate into social roles and may reduce overall QoL.