Quality of Life and Disability in Stroke Survivors

Background: With advancing the treatment of stroke patients, their mortality has decreased but morbidity and disability have increased. Hence, it becomes increasingly important to find measures to improve these areas. The study aims to assess the quality of life (QOL) and disability in stroke survivors at least six months post-stroke. Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional design was used to assess the QOL and disability in stroke patients attending Neuromedicine and Neurosurgery out-patient departments of Kathmandu Medical College. Data was collected purposively using an interview from 155 respondents. QOL was assessed using Health-Related Quality of Life in Stroke Patients (HRQOLISP-40) and disability was measured by using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0). The analysis was done using Pearson’s correlation and the Mann Whitney U test. Results: The QOL was found to be the best in the ‘ecosocial’ and worst in the ‘soul’ domain. In disability, patients scored the best in ‘Getting along with people’ and ‘self-care’ domains and worst in the ‘life activities: school/ work’ domain. Respondents with hemorrhagic stroke, only one admission and those who did not exercise had better QOL. Patients with less than 10 years of formal education, those not earning and those with comorbidities had more disability. Correlation analysis showed better QOL with lesser age, higher monthly family income, and higher Barthel index whereas higher disability was found in respondents with higher age and lower Barthel index. Conclusion: Disability in stroke patients needs to be addressed in order to improve their QOL. The domains affected should be given attention during the rehabilitation of stroke patients. Keywords: Cerebrovascular accident, Disability, Nepal, Quality of life, Stroke