Health-related quality of life and its correlates among individuals with stroke during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

ABSTRACT Strict safety procedures including lockdowns were adopted during the Corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic worldwide which might have influenced mental and physical health in affected communities. This study aimed to investigate the level of Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and its correlates among individuals with stroke in Jordan during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a cross-sectional study with a self-administered questionnaire, which included demographics, 12-item Short Form (SF-12) health survey, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS 21), and The Stroke Impact Scale 16 (SIS-16). Descriptive analyses were used to summarize study data. Factors significantly correlated with HRQoL were determined using Pearson correlation. A total of 97 individuals successfully completed the study with a mean age of 57.9 years (±57.9). The level of HRQoL (measured by SF-12) was significantly and negatively associated with mental health symptoms (depression, anxiety, and stress) and the stroke recovery subscale of the SIS-16. Furthermore, participants’ HRQoL level was significantly and positively associated with participants’ age, stroke chronicity, receiving rehabilitation, and amount of help asked from caregivers. Jordanians with stroke demonstrated a relatively low level of HRQoL and high levels of mental health symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare administrators should carefully consider individuals with stroke HRQoL and its correlates while planning for future crises.