Purpose: this study aimed to evaluate function and quality
of life (QoL) and associated factors among long term stroke
survivors in the Malaysian community.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving
stroke survivors living in the community at two or more
years post-stroke. Eligible participants with the diagnosis of
stroke were identified from 2005-2010 case mix database of
a tertiary hospital. the patients’ medical records were
analysed and data on demographic and clinical profiles were
collected. telephone interviews were conducted to assess
existing stroke-related impairments, comorbidities, stroke
recurrences, current level of function and QoL, with the
usage of rivermead mobility index (rMI), barthel index (bI)
and stroke specific quality of life scale (ssQOL).
results: A total of 203 stroke survivors; mean age 64.5
(standard Deviation(sD) 12.2) years, 45.3% males, stroke
duration 44.7 (sD 13.8) months completed the interviews.
Mean rMI was 11.7 (sD 3.4) and bI was 89.8 (sD 19.8). Forty
three percent and 99% had difficulty in
ascending/descending stairs and fast walking, respectively.
Up to 20% had limitations in most of the bI subsets. Mean
ssQOL was 207.6 (sD 37.2), with domains mostly affected
were ‘energy’ and ‘social role’. Function and QOL were both
influenced by age (p