Handicap in stroke survivors.
OBJECTIVE
As survival following stroke improves, individuals are more likely to live with the aftermath of stroke rather than immediately die from it. The purpose of this study was to examine the consequences of stroke on the life activities of survivors in the social realm (stroke handicap) using the framework of the World Health Organization's International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities and Handicaps.


METHODS
Multivariate analysis of variance was applied to cross-sectional data from a clinical study to investigate the correlates of handicap in a cohort of hemispheric stroke survivors at 3 months (n = 145) and at 1 year (n = 135) after stroke onset. Handicap was assessed with the Reintegration to Normal Living Index, impairment by the Adams' Hemispheric Stroke Scale and Zung Depression Scale, and disability by the Functional Independence Measure. Environmental variables in the model included marital status and receipt of rehabilitation therapy.


RESULTS
Physical disability and post-stroke depressive symptoms were associated with handicap at both follow-up periods (p < 0.05). Cognitive disability and impairments from a previous stroke were also associated with handicap (p < 0.01), but only at 1 year. The presence of a spouse was found to benefit male survivors at 1 year.


CONCLUSIONS
Disability and depressive symptoms restrict the meaningful life activities of stroke survivors in the first year of recovery. Social supports may be influential in reducing their impact.
Clarke
P J
PJ
Graduate Department of Community Health, and Institute for Human Development, Life Course and Aging, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. philippa.clarke@utoronto.ca
Black
S E
SE
Badley
E M
EM
Lawrence
J M
JM
Williams
J I
JI
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009864:Ontario; D012944:Social Support