Fatigue Influences Social Participation in Aphasia: A Cross-sectional and Retrospective Study Using Patient-Reported Measures

Abstract

ObjectiveTo examine associations between social participation, fatigue, and aphasia severity using patient-reported outcome measures and to examine associations between demographic/diagnostic variables and fatigue in people with aphasia. DesignRetrospective analysis of patient-reported outcome measures using a Bayesian framework. SettingUrban rehabilitation research hospital. Participants67 participants (N=67) with chronic aphasia (mean age=54.1 years) as a consequence of stroke. InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresAbility to Participate in Social Roles and Activities, Fatigue, and Global Health Questionnaire scales from the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System initiative and the Western Aphasia Battery–Revised. We hypothesized an association between social participation and fatigue in people with aphasia. ResultsPeople with aphasia with higher fatigue levels tended to report less social participation. Also, people with aphasia who were a longer time post-stroke tended to report higher social participation. People with aphasia who reported better physical health were more likely to report higher social participation. ConclusionsThere is an association between fatigue and social participation in people with aphasia. Fatigue should be considered in clinical assessments and treatments for this population.