Quality of Life among Individuals with Stroke in Jordan

Abstract

Abstract

Background and aims: Stroke has long-term consequences for the functional performance of daily activities. Evaluating the impact of stroke on health and wellbeing is essential in designing stroke-specific programs supporting home and community participation. This study described the impact of stroke on quality of life as reported by stroke survivors. Additionally, this study examined the effect of different personal and clinical characteristics on the quality of life among adults with stroke. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study encompassed a sample of 64 adults with stroke (mean age 58.9 years) who are currently receiving rehabilitation services after stroke onset. Outcome measures included the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) and its subdomains to assess the self-perceived disability following a stroke. The data analysis plan included MANOVA, followed by ANOVA of main effects and post-hoc analyses. Results: Jordanian individuals with stroke had a mean SIS total score of 59.9 (SD ±15.4, Range 25.8– 94) indicating moderate levels of quality of life following stroke. Furthermore, patients reported that hand function, strength, activities of daily living (ADL), participation, and emotions domains received lower mean scores of SIS in these areas. Participants with a higher number of previous strokes had significantly lower emotional subdomain scores on the SIS (p=0.001). Participants with aphasia had significantly lower scores in the memory (p< 0.001) and communication subdomains (p=0.0001). Conclusion: Individuals with stroke reported moderate levels of disability after stroke onset. Having aphasia, and an increased number of previous strokes were associated with greater challenges in quality of life following stroke.

Keywords: Stroke, Quality of Life, Performance, Rehabilitation.