The quality of life following cerebral vascular accidents

Abstract

A questionnaire was developed to determine the factors related to the concept of quality of life following a Cerebral Vascular Accident. One hundred-twenty unmatched subjects, of whom 64 (53.3%) were stroke patients and 56 (46.7%) were family members closely involved with the patient's rehabilitation, were administered successive versions of the questionnaire under development. A description of the questionnaire's construction and development; from its conceptualization, item statistics, and factor analyses to analysis of reliability is presented.;Further, the potential utility of obtaining relevant information in those cases where such is not possible from the patient is examined through inclusion of family members. The circumstances of a stroke with the likely sequelae of language and cognition deficits, warrants the need to investigate alternative resources to obtain data which would otherwise go uncollected. In addition, recognizing that the impact of a stroke affects many lives well beyond that of the patient indicates the need for further examination of all involved.;From this information, we may have a better understanding of the adjustment process undertaken by all, so as to allow rehabilitative programs to be developed to meet the specific issues in an appropriate and timely manner.;A principle components item factor analysis with varimax rotation reveals six specific factors; acceptance, intimacy, personal strength, mobility, socialization and self-esteem as comprising the concepts deemed important to quality of life for this present population.;A 3 x 2 analysis of variance (acute to 5 months, 6 months to one year and greater than one year by patient or family member/significant other) to test the significance between these two groups and the different post-stroke intervals on each of the identified factors, reveals significance on five of the six factors, excluding the one labeled intimacy.;A description of each of the six identified factors is presented. In addition, the reported temporal significance for the five factors, acceptance, personal strength, mobility, socialization and self-esteem relative to patient or family member response is presented. The contributions this research may provide to the quality of life literature will be discussed along with its limitations. Recommendations for further investigation in this area will be addressed.