Impact of Stroke on Quality of Life of Stroke Patients in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Abstract

Introduction: Stroke is a diagnostic and therapeutic emergency. It causes functional sequelae and the quality of life (QOL) of survivors is often disrupted. The aim of this study was to assess the QOL of stroke survivors after at least three months of evolution. Patients and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with prospective data collection, conducted from October 1 to November 30, 2021. The study population consisted of patients aged at least 18 years with a stroke confirmed by brain imaging, seen in consultation after at least three months of evolution as part of their post-stroke follow-up. Quality of life was assessed using the WHOQOL scale. Results: Over the course of the study, 46 patients aged at least 18 years were seen in consultation after at least three months of stroke. The mean age of the patients was 52.8 years. Stroke was ischemic in 56.5% of patients, with a mean duration of 8.9 ± 4.9 months. The rate of non-return to work after stroke was 58.7%. Clinically, the patients had no major functional disability, no severe cognitive impairment or severe depression. Mean QOL scale for the physical and environmental domains were 49.34/100 and 49.10/100 respectively, while overall QOL was 54.20/100. On self-assessment, the QOL was judged good to very good by 43.5%. In the physical domain, 54.4% of patients had a poor to very poor QOL. Occupational status and functional disability were the main factors associated with QOL. Conclusion: Stroke has a negative impact on survivors' quality of life. Systematic assessment of this dimension is an essential parameter for the holistic management of stroke survivors.