The Impact of Ischemic Cerebral Stroke on the Quality of Life of Patients Based on Clinical, Social, and Psychoemotional Factors.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral stroke is the major cause of disability in the modern world and, given its consequences, poses serious medical and social problems. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the quality of life of patients who suffered from an ischemic cerebral stroke with respect to various areas of life, including, in particular, clinical and psychoemotional factors. The study hypothesis states that the poststroke quality of life is reduced in the general context as well as in the context of specific areas of life. It was also considered of key importance to assess how the quality of life of patients is affected by depression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 44 patients with the first ischemic cerebral stroke of moderate and mild severity according to the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, currently treated in the Neurology Department of the Międzyleski Specialist Hospital in Warsaw. The quality of life was measured based on the standardized Ferrans and Powers Quality of Life Index questionnaire and the Beck Depression Inventory.

RESULTS: Based on the results, it was demonstrated that the quality of life of the patients was significantly reduced on the psychological and spiritual well-being subscale and that depression is a more frequent occurrence among patients with cerebral stroke of moderate severity.

CONCLUSIONS: Continued and complex posthospitalization care, including treatment for depression and increased social support, may to a significant extent reduce the negative impact of the disease on the perceived quality of life.