Long-term health states relevant to young persons with stroke living in the community in southern Stockholm - a study of self-rated disability and predicting factors

Disabil Rehabil. 2012;34(10):817-23. doi: 10.3109/09638288.2011.621507. Epub 2011 Dec 9.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose was to explore self-rated long-term disability and to analyze whether initial stroke-related, personal and environmental factors can predict disability in a population-based sample of community-dwelling young (<65 years) persons suffering a stroke in 2000-2006.

Method: Data on initial stroke-related, personal and environmental factors were retrieved from medical records. A study-specific posted questionnaire was used.

Results: Of the 158 young persons with stroke, 78% had suffered a mild stroke. Tiredness was the most commonly reported mental impairment (86%) followed by impaired memory (67%). A majority reported limitations/restrictions in returning to leisure activities (58%) and work (52%). Stroke-related, personal and environmental factors failed to predict self-reported mental and physical impairments, but predicted activity limitations/participation restrictions with an acceptable power of accuracy (0.70-0.73) but a low sensitivity (0.28-0.59).

Conclusions: A majority of these young persons were diagnosed with a mild stroke but experienced long-term mental impairments and activity limitations/participation restrictions that could not be predicted by initial stroke-related, personal and environmental factors solely. Therefore, regular long-term assessments irrespective of initial stroke severity are warranted in order to identify disabilities and improve the state of health among young persons with stroke when needed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living*
  • Adult
  • Disability Evaluation*
  • Disabled Persons / rehabilitation*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Health Status*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / psychology
  • Mental Disorders / rehabilitation
  • Middle Aged
  • Population Surveillance
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Quality of Life*
  • Residence Characteristics
  • Self Report
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Sickness Impact Profile
  • Stroke / psychology
  • Stroke Rehabilitation*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Sweden
  • Time Factors