The Effects of Stroke Patients’ Physical Functions and Emotional Characteristics on their Quality of Life

Abstract

This study analyzed stroke patients' physical functional degree, acceptance of disability, and coping methods and examined the effect of such factors on their quality of life. With stroke patients whose mini-mental state Examination-Korean score was 24 points or higher as subjects, their general characteristics, physical functions, acceptance of disability, coping strategies, and quality of life were measured. In order to look at differences in their quality of life according to physical functions and emotional characteristics, an independent t-test and one-way analysis of variance were conducted. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to examine relationship between the patients' physical functions, emotional characteristics, and quality of life and a stepwise multiple regression analysis was carried out in order to look at their effects on the patients' quality of life. There was significant difference (p<0.001) according to stroke patients' physical functions, acceptance of disability, and coping measures. Physical functional disorder (r=-.23) had negative correlation with their quality of life and acceptance of disability (r=.54) and coping strategies (r=.22) had significant positive correlation with their quality of life. The higher the degree of stroke patients' physical disability, the lower their quality of life and the higher their acceptance of disability and coping degree, the higher their quality of life. When rehabilitation treatment is done, a comprehensive approach is needed considering social and emotional characteristics such as acceptance of disability and coping strategies.