Perception of Health-Related Quality of Life in Stroke Patients in a Continuing Care Unit: A Follow-Up Study

Abstract

Stroke continues to be one of the main causes of death in Portugal, with a prevalence rate of 8% in individuals aged 50 or over. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the perception of quality of life (QoL) related to health in patients with stroke, after discharge from the Integrated Continuing Care Unit (UCCI), and to evaluate the factors that influence health-related QoL. An observational, longitudinal and descJá agora riptive study was carried out with patients aged 65 years or older with a history of stroke and hospital discharge in central Portugal. They were observed in two time points: six and 12 months after discharge from the UCCI. Data was collected using self-completion questionnaires, namely the Portuguese version of the Stroke Scale Quality of Life (SS-QoL). Considering follow-up losses, a total of 128 individuals were included. All SS-QoL dimensions showed improvements from six to 12 months post-discharge. The variables “personality” and “mental capacity” showed the best evolution. The present study allows us to understand the evolution of the QoL of these users, including the most affected factors over time and that influence post-stroke rehabilitation.