Poster 59 Memory Self-efficacy Training After Stroke; Predictors of Success

Abstract

Memory complaints after stroke are determined by memory self-efficacy (MSE) rather than memory capacity. The aim of present study is to identify factors that predict the outcome of a memory self-efficacy (MSE) training program we developed for stroke patients. We performed an intervention study, with measurements before and after the intervention. Patients were recruited from in- and outpatient departments of two rehabilitation centres. Patients were at least 18 months post stroke, lived independently and reported memory complaints. All patients underwent a standardized program, focusing on MSE. The patients participated in nine group sessions. The group sessions were given weekly, with a duration of one hour. MSE was measured at baseline and after the intervention with the Metamemory In Adulthood questionnaire. Potential predictors were; socio-demographic data (age, gender, partner), disease related factors (side of stroke, type of stroke, time post onset), psychological and memory characteristics (depressive symptoms, coping, delayed recall measured with the 15-word test of the Auditory-Verbal Learning Test (AVLT) and two short stories of the Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test (RBMT) and quality of life at baseline. In total 72 persons were included in the MSE training program. The drop-out rate was 8,9%. In the univariable analyses we found that age (p=0,037), gender (p=0,083), delayed recall score measured with AVLT (p=0,06) and RBMT (p=0,021) were significant predictors of MSE. Multivariable analysis showed that a higher MSE outcome was predicted by a younger age (B=-.033; p=.006) and a better delayed recall score on the two short stories of the RBMT (B=0.43; p=.009), adjusted for MSE at baseline. Younger patients and patients with a better memory capacity benefit most from a standardized MSE training program.