Impact of stroke on quality of life and functional independence

Abstract

Background: Cerebrovascular accident is the prime cause for the functional disability and deteriorated quality of life (QOL) which affects person’s social and physical capabilities. Present stroke outcomes are restricted to evaluate global influence of event on patient’s well-being. Hence, it is mandatory to know the effect of stroke on functional independence and domain (DOM)-specific QOL in stroke survivors. Aims and Objectives: The objectives of this study are to assess DOM-specific QOL and functional independence in stroke survivors. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 30 stroke survivors after approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee and their written voluntary consent. QOL was measured with the use of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instruments (WHOQOLBREF) questionnaire, and functional independence was measured with the use of Functional Independence Measurement (FIM) scale. Results: Thirty patients (63.33% were men and 36.66% were women) were participated with the mean age of 61.47 ± 10.17 years for men and 64 ± 12.14 years for women. The QOL in DOM 1 (physical) was 10.6 ± 3.42, and in DOM 2 (psychological), it was 12.8 ± 6.09. DOM 3 (social relationship) was 14.06 ± 1.52 and DOM 4 (environmental) was 20.23 ± 5.71, i.e., DOM 1 and 2 were more affected. Further, motor component in functional independence was 41.83 ± 20.11, and in cognitive component, it was 34.76 ± 0.43, i.e., motor component was more affected than cognitive component in our patients. Conclusion: The stroke survivors had lower QOL and functionally dependent in the activity of daily living. Physical and psychological dimensions of QOL and motor component of FIM were more affected.