Determinants of Quality of Life after Stroke in Southern Portugal: A Cross Sectional Community-Based Study

Eva Lourenço,José Luis Sánchez Ramos,Emília Isabel Costa,Hipólito Nzwalo,Mário Rui Dos Mártires Sampaio

doi:10.3390/brainsci11111509

Abstract

Introduction: the perception of Quality of Life (QoL) has been used to evaluate the treatment and evolution of several pathologies. QoL evaluation allows a better understanding of the patient and his adaptation to the disease. An observational, community-based and descriptive correlational study was carried out to analyze stroke survivors’ perception of QoL. Methods: consecutive case-series of stroke survivors (≥3 months) followed in a single public primary health center (“Tavira Primary Health Centre”) from Algarve, southern Portugal. The Portuguese version of the World Health Organization Quality of life instrument was administered in 102 stroke survivors. Results: Perception of QoL was associated (p < 0.05) with specific sociodemographic (age, sex, marital status, academic training), economic (monthly family income) and clinical factors (number of vascular risk factors, type of stroke, evolution, chronic mRankin score). On multivariate analysis, chronic mRankin score on physical (R2 = 0.406; F = 8.757; p < 0.001), psychological (R2 = 0.286; F = 5.536; p < 0.001) and general domain (R2 = 0.357; F = 7.287; p < 0.001); and family income (R2 = 0.160; F = 3.156; p < 0.005) on environmental domain, emerged as predictors of QoL. Conclusion: Different socio-demographic, economic and health factors are associated with post-stroke QoL. Description of QoL contributes to the overall evaluation of the impact of stroke on health and should be a priority for health professionals.

Highlights

Introduction published maps and institutional affilDespite the decline of incidence and mortality rates [1], stroke remains a leading cause of morbidity worldwide [2]
Even in patients without significant neurological disability, stroke can be associated with poor Quality of Life (QoL) [3,4,5,6]
Stroke long term health impact constitutes an important problem for survivors, relatives, caregivers, and society

Summary

Introduction

Despite the decline of incidence and mortality rates [1], stroke remains a leading cause of morbidity worldwide [2]. Most studies addressing the health impact of stroke are based on short, long-term mortality and functional neurological outcome. Even in patients without significant neurological disability, stroke can be associated with poor Quality of Life (QoL) [3,4,5,6]. QoL measurements are potentially more relevant and informative to patients than the evaluation of functional outcomes [7]. QoL evaluation may uncover insufficiently managed chronic health problems or facilitate a much broader description of stroke impact on survivors [8].

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion