Global Quality of Life and Disability amongst Stroke Survivors in North Eastern Nigeria

Introduction: Quality of life and disability is commonly incorporated in the overall evaluation of the impact of Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA), this variables could lead to significant decline in the level of functioning of the survivors if neglected.

Aims: To examine the association between demographic characteristics, level of disability and Quality of Life (QOL), also to assess the level of disability among stroke survivors.

Methodology: This is a cross sectional study, accidental sampling techniques was used to select 191 hypertensive out-patients with or without diabetes with CVA from State Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria, age ranged from 18-95 years.

Results: This revealed that 87.4% of the respondents had severe disability, QOL was significantly related to level of disability (χ2 (6) =12.1, P = 0.017), marital status (χ2 (8) =28.8, P =0.000), sex (χ2 (2) =9.041, P =0.011), and age (χ2 (4) = 30.188, P =0.000).

Conclusion: The findings revealed the magnitude and correlates of global quality of life and disability among patients with CVA. Therefore, there is need to incorporate post-stroke psychosocial adjustment evaluation, psychiatric and psychological interventions to this vulnerable group to facilitate their rehabilitation and enhance their psychological wellbeing and recovery.