Living with stroke in Bangladesh: factors influencing quality of life (QoL)

Abstract

This study examined factors that may predict the QoL of stroke survivors in Bangladesh. The objectives were: to examine the relationship between QoL and health related variables (i.e. disability status, cognitive status, mobility status, self-care, getting along with people, life activities, social participation and psychological state); and also to examine the influence of demographically related variables (i.e. gender, age, level of education, marital status, and living arrangements) on QoL. Data were collected from 110 stroke survivors in Bangladesh. Data collection tools included a semi-structured questionnaire along with WHOQOL-BREF; WHODAS 2.0; and DASS21. A regression analysis was undertaken to determine the significant independent predictors of QoL. Post stroke psychological distress was found to be the key predictor of QoL. Therefore, psychological interventions need to be incorporated in rehabilitation to enhance better QoL post stroke. Other health and demographically related predictor variables had no influence on overall QoL post stroke.