Health-related quality of life of stroke survivors attending the volunteer stroke scheme.
BACKGROUND
The Volunteer Stroke Scheme (VSS) provides patients with the opportunity to participate in community-based therapeutic activities and physiotherapy sessions.


OBJECTIVE
To provide the first profile of VSS attendees in terms of their functioning across the range of recommended WHO International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) outcomes.


METHODS
A convenience sample of 41 VSS patients completed standardised measures of cognitive functioning (MMSE), activity levels [Frenchay Activity Index (FAI), and Barthel Index (BI)], depression [Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)] and Quality of Life (SF-36).


RESULTS
A total of 37% met the criteria for mild cognitive impairment and 44% met the criteria for clinical depression. Scores on the BI (M = 79.5) and FAI (M = 18.4) incidated limitations in activity levels. Quality of life levels was low.


CONCLUSIONS
High levels of psychological morbidity, severe disability across a range of domains and poor quality of life were reported.
Tobin
C
C
School of Psychology, Trinity College, University of Dublin, College Green, Dublin, D2, Ireland.
Hevey
D
D
Horgan
N F
NF
Coen
R F
RF
Cunningham
C J
CJ
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D019058:Community Networks / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*