Perception of Quality of Life by Chinese elderly persons with stroke.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to initiate an investigation into the conceptualization of Quality of Life (QOL) for Chinese elderly people with stroke, living in the community in Hong Kong, and to explore whether a unique definition for this population might be needed.


METHODS
Focus group interviews were conducted with seven elderly people with stroke and six healthy elderly individuals from community-based elderly centres in Hong Kong. A content analysis was conducted on interview data to determine the conceptual characteristics of QOL for participants with stroke, and to compare QOL components valued by both groups.


RESULTS
Results appeared to support the assumptions in the literature about the multi-dimensionality of the QOL concept, its inclusion of both subjective and objective components, the interrelatedness of components and their integrated contribution to global QOL. The QOL components identified reflected a global QOL definition which included non-health-related life aspects such as money and housing. Similarities and differences were evident in the QOL components identified by both groups. These differences seemed to be best explained by the effects stroke had on the former group.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggest that a QOL definition unique to Chinese elderly people with stroke may be warranted. Further research and refinement of the QOL conceptualization for this population are the necessary precursors to accurate QOL measurement and the planning and delivery of effective health services to help them achieve optimal QOL.
Lau
Anna
A
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon. rsalau@inet.polyu.edu.hk
Mckenna
Kryss
K
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011788:Quality of Life; D020521:Stroke / Q000523:psychology*