Impact of mild stroke on the quality of life of spouses.

Clients with mild stroke may present subtle deficits that have an impact on complex activities and roles. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceived quality of life of spouses, 3 months after the client with stroke was discharged to go home from acute care. A qalitative design based on a constructivist paradigm was used. Interviews were conducted with family members of the clients with mild stroke, 3 months after discharge. An interview guide was used and the audio content was transcribed, followed by a content analysis. In this study, eight interviews were conducted (mean age 56.9±9.2 years; men=2/8), and six essential themes emerged from the data. According to the participants, clients with mild stroke present sequelae that interfere with complex tasks (patient), increasing the burden on other family members who have to limit their personal activities (daily living). Sometimes, spouses were reported to act like a parent, which caused tensions in the relationship (conjugal relationship). Anxiety is related to the risk of stroke recurrence (relapse) and some family members present physical symptoms and a lack of energy (health). However, family members do not have access to services despite support from their relatives (services). The results of this exploratory study strongly suggest that even a 'mild' stroke has an impact on the daily lives of spouses and affects their quality of life.