[Effect of functional capacity, coexisting depression and some socio-demographic factors on the quality of life in patients with ischemic cerebrovascular stroke].

The aim of this work was to assess the influence of functional capacity, coexisting depression and socio-demographic factors (age, gender, education level, coexisting disease, employment and hobbies prior to stroke) on the quality of life (QOL) in patients with ischaemic cerebrovascular stroke. Enrollment criteria included consent to participate, age under 70 years, no physical disability or psychiatric disease prior to stroke, no cognitive deficit or speech disorders preventing active participation in the study. Each patient was seen on four occasions: at the day of discharge from hospital, after 3, 6 and 12 months from stroke. The first examination prior to discharge included analysis of the hospital record, assessment of the neurological status and functional capacity, and screening for depression. Subsequent examinations included assessment of functional capacity, search for coexisting depression and evaluation of QOL. Functional capacity was determined using the Repta 2 scale, depression was diagnosed according to ICD 10 criteria and QOL was assessed with the London Handicap Scale. A total of 79 patients appeared for all four examinations. The results were subjected to statistical analysis. It was found that functional capacity and quality of life steadily improve after stroke, particularly during the first 6 months. A positive correlation was disclosed between the functional capacity and QOL, indicating that the functional capacity exerts an influence on QOL. Depression was a frequent finding among patients with ischaemic cerebrovascular stroke, exerting a negative effect on QOL. Higher QOL was observed among females and younger patients, the role of gender and age being most noticeable in the second half of the first year after stroke. Furthermore, patients returning to work and having a hobby demonstrate a higher quality of life.