[Quality of life of women after ischemic stroke].
OBJECTIVE
Stroke is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in postmenopausal women. The aim of the study was to evaluate functional and psychological quality of life in women after a first-ever stroke as well as to identify independent predictors of post-stroke quality of life.


METHODS
Cross-sectional and correlational study.


METHODS
A group of 46 women (mean age 67.1 yrs) after a first-ever ischemic stroke was followed up for 6 months after the onset of the stroke. Quality of life was assessed with the Polish versions of Sickness Impact Profile and Quality of Life Index. The variables studied were neurological and functional status, depression, lateralization, age, gender, marital status, education, living arrangement, emotional support.


RESULTS
The study has shown that the quality of life of investigated women was significantly worse than that of subjects' from a comparative group. Neurological status, depression and emotional support was the most important correlates of quality of life.


CONCLUSIONS
Rehabilitation focused on fostering physical independency, treatment of depression and strengthening social support may be decisive factors in improving post-stroke quality of life.
Jaracz
Krystyna
K
Katedra Pielegniarstwa, Akademia Medyczna w Poznaniu.
Opala
Tomasz
T
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011044:Poland; D011788:Quality of Life; D012307:Risk Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology*; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016387:Women's Health
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