Abstract TMP33: Do Social Networks Matter in Post-Stroke Communication Recovery?

Abstract

Purpose: Current evidence highlights the value of social networks in stroke recovery. Social networks can be small or broad and are commonly associated with positive psychological, emotional, and physical stroke recovery outcomes. However, less is known about the relationship between social networks and post-stroke impairments such as communication disorders. This pilot study was designed to elucidate the relationship between types of social connections and post-stroke communication outcomes. Hypothesis: Social networks are positively associated with improvement in post-stroke communication outcomes, but the importance of social network subtypes differs among sociodemographic cohorts. Methods: Data was collected from 30 adults stroke survivors who completed the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) Communication subtest and the Stroke Social Network Scale (SSNS). Regression analysis evaluated the relationship between the SIS Communication subtest score and SSNS network subtypes. Outcomes were evaluated across racial-ethnic groups to explore differential impacts. Results: The average SIS Communication scores differed significantly between Whites (81.75, SD=22.90) and Blacks (95.71, SD=4.95) (t=2.07, p=0.05) while SSNS Comprehensive scores were generally similar between the two groups (t=1.73, p=0.09). Both social ties (t=-1.73, p=.09) and satisfaction was higher among Black than White stroke survivors (t=1.85, p=0.08). SSNS Friend (β Friends =0.414, SE=0.414) and Group (β Groups =0.479; SE=0.266) subtest scores were positively associated with SIS Communication Impairment among both Black and White stroke survivors suggesting strong associations with lower impairment. However, the association between communication impairment and SSNS Children subtest scores differed between racial groups as noted by significant interaction effect (β SSNS Childre n*Black=0.821, SE=0.294). Conclusions: Lower levels of communication impairment were correlated with friendship and group attachments among Blacks and Whites. Social ties to children were observed among White stroke survivors with high levels of communication impairment, compared to Black stroke survivors who reported strong social ties to children at all impairment levels.