Factors Affecting Quality of Life for Patients with Cerebrovascular Stroke

Background: Patients with cerebrovascular stroke experience long-lasting physical and social
limitations and can lose their jobs, independence, social status and self respect. There are several
factors affecting patient's quality of life Aim: Identify factors affecting quality of life for patients with
Cerebrovascular stroke including Physical, Social, and Psychological and Spiritual dimension.
Methods: This study was conducted at the Neurology and Physiotherapy Outpatient clinics at Ain
Shams University Hospital. Design: A descriptive exploratory design used in carrying out the study.
Sample: A purposive sample of 100 adult patients, with old Cerebrovascular stroke, After 3 months
post Stroke and further more. As well the patients able to communicate with others. Tools: 1)
Patient’s interview questionnaire to assess factors affecting quality of life. 2) The quality of life scale
(stroke impact scale) to assess patient's quality of life. Results: the present study revealed that more
than three fifth of the sample (70%) had poor quality of life in physical domains and (50%) poor
quality of life in social domains. Furthermore, there were significant relation between patient’s
quality of life and age, sex, educational level, residence and income, co-existing disease, type of
stroke and duration of disease, patients’ level of knowledge, While, there were highly significant
relation between patient’s quality of life and dependency in activity of daily living. Conclusion The
results of this study concluded that the factors that significantly affect quality of life for patients with
cerebrovascular stroke were (age, sex, educational level, level of patient’s dependency, residence,
patient’s income) and presence of co-existing diseases, type of stroke, duration of stroke and level of
knowledge. As well, there were statistically significant differences between the studied patients
sample quality of life and the socio demographic variables especially level of patient’s dependency as
regard Cerebrovascular stroke. Recommendations: Designing Patient’s educational program to
improve their knowledge for cerebrovascular stroke.