Self-Perceived ADL/IADL Function is Influenced by Residual Neurological Impairment, Aphasia, and Anxiety.

Self-perceptions of performance of activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) are reduced following stroke. Research investigating contributing factors is lacking. We examined the extent to which aphasia status, neurological impairment and poststroke depression, and anxiety contribute to self-perceived ADL/IADL function. Seventy-six community-dwelling individuals at least 6 months poststroke, 44 with and 32 without aphasia, participated in the cross-sectional study. The Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) ADL/IADL domain was the primary outcome measure with aphasia status, residual neurological impairment, depressive symptoms, and anxiety as predictor variables. Aphasia status, residual neurological impairment, and anxiety were independent predictors of self-perceived ADL/IADL function, together accounting for more than half the variance. Depression was not associated with ADL/IADL. Clinician awareness of the influence of anxiety on self-perceived ADL/IADL function, particularly for people with aphasia, may lead to future interventions that improve self-perceived ADL/IADL function.