Quality of life predictors after first stroke: A study with post-acute patients

BackgroundThere are significant differences in literature regarding QoL predictors mainly due to different clinical and cultural contexts. The present study aims to determine the predictive variables of QoL and its dimensions in Portuguese patients during the physical rehabilitation process following a first stroke.Methods51 patients from two physical medicine outpatient clinics, with history of a first-ever stroke episode (ischemic or hemorrhagic) ranging from two months up to two years of evolution, were assessed. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were studied in relation to QoL and its domains.ResultsOverall QoL was predicted by the level of independence, neurological severity and both depression and anxiety. The Psychical Status domain was predicted by the neurological severity, gender, independence, cognition and time after stroke. The Variance on Communication domain was explained by the neurological severity and the laterality of the stroke. The Cognitive domain was influenced only by the level of depression. The domain of Emotions was predicted by the results on anxiety and depression. The domain of Basic Daily Activities was predicted by the level of independency and neurological status. Common Daily Activities were predicted by the neurological status.ConclusionsA significant variance on QoL after a first stroke is predicted by the level of independence, neurological status and by both anxiety and depression. The predictive value of emotional variables in QoL after a stroke reinforces the need to provide a comprehensive model of psychological care aimed at determining each individual's difficulties and to develop alternative or compensatory expectations and behaviors.