Factors that influence functional independance post stroke
Date
2007-02-22T11:51:54Z
Authors
Mamabolo, Mokgobadibe Veronica
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Abstract
Background and purpose of the research
The magnitude of disability observed in stroke survivors is believed to be dependent,
in part, on the severity of neurological deficits incurred. As important, but less well
understood, is the contribution of physical and environmental factors. The objectives
of this study were to establish the degree of functional independence of patients who
have had a stroke and to establish factors that influence functional independence
post stroke.
Research methods and procedures employed
This was a quantitative research using a descriptive cross sectional study design. A
sample of convenience was derived from patients who had a stroke more than six
weeks previously from clinics and a hospital in Johannesburg. The Barthel Index was
used to establish the degree of functional independence, and a self-designed
questionnaire was used to establish factors that influence functional independence of
patients who have had a stroke. Intra and inter rater reliability tests were done to
validate the questionnaire. The questionnaire was interviewer administered.
Caregivers were interviewed in cases where patients had receptive aphasia.
Results: Ninety three percent of the patients were functionally independent post
discharge. Younger patients had the highest likelihood of improved functional
independence than the older age group (p = 0.003); married patients recovered
functional independence faster than those who were single (p = 0.05). The following
factors also improved chances of being functionally independent: having bowel
continence (p = 0.003); staying in hospital for less than two weeks and more than six
weeks; and participating in community (p = 0.02) and household activities (p = 0.01).
Having a caregiver decreased the chances of regaining functional independence (p =
0.04). Factors which were found to have no influence on functional independence
post stroke were: gender (p = 0.99); education level (p =0.78); duration of stroke (p =
0.58); side of stroke (p = 0.12); shoulder pain (p = 0.90); leg pain (p = 0.22); urinary
incontinence (p = 0.53); financial role (p = 0.156); monthly income (p = 0.73); and
depression (p = 0.30).
Conclusion: Age, marital status, duration of hospital stay and the presence of a
caregiver, as well as bowel continence are the factors that influence functional
independence post stroke.
Description
Student Number : 9100202J -
MPH research report -
School of Therapeutic Sciences -
Faculty of Health Science
Keywords
stroke, functional dependence