Factors Influencing Quality of Life Six Months after a First-Ever Ischemic Stroke: Focus on Thrombolyzed Patients

Abstract

Objective: This prospective follow-up study aimed to identify sociodemographic and clinical factors that may affect the quality of life (QoL) of patients with acute ischemic stroke during a 6-month follow-up. Patients and Methods: In the acute phase, sociodemographic and clinical data were collected using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, Barthel Index, and modified Rankin Scale. QoL was assessed with the Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life Scale-39 6 months after stroke. Results: QoL was evaluated in 64 patients (aged 45-81 years) with a first-ever ischemic stroke. Thrombolytic therapy was given to 80% of the patients. Stroke severity, dependence in activities of daily living, degree of handicap, and length of hospitalization were associated with QoL. QoL was not associated with age, gender, marital status, or years of education. Conclusion: In this study, most patients were treated with thrombolysis, and QoL results resembled those of earlier studies on patients without thrombolysis. Despite good physical recovery, the patients reported impairments in QoL. QoL assessments can give clinicians a more holistic picture of stroke recovery from the patient's perspective.