Factors Influencing the Quality of Life of Stroke Survivors: Results of an Online Survey in the US
Author(s)
Sahar Haidar, MS1, Emilie Pain, MSc1, Lise Radoszycki, MSci1, Jonathan Bouchard, MS, RPh2;
1Carenity, Île-de-France, France, 2Ipsen, Cambridge, MA, USA
1Carenity, Île-de-France, France, 2Ipsen, Cambridge, MA, USA
Presentation Documents
OBJECTIVES: Stroke survivors face long-term disabilities that affect their quality of life (QoL). This observational survey aimed to gather real-world evidence on post-stroke spasticity in a real-life treatment setting and identify key factors influencing patients QoL.
METHODS: Data were collected in the US via Carenity, an online patient community, between July and November 2023. Participants were adults who had suffered a first stroke with hemiparesis within the last 12 months, or their caregivers. A simplified version of the Stroke Specific Quality of Life scale (SS-QOL) was used to assess QoL. It consisted of 10 questions, each representing a domain of the original SS-QOL. Multivariate linear regression models were used to determine factors significantly and independently associated with the adapted QoL score.
RESULTS: Participants (n=160; 81% were patients and 19% caregivers answering for a stroke patient) reported 1.2 strokes, and their most recent ones were ischemic (72.5%). Participants indicated an average of two comorbidities, with the most common being cardiovascular diseases (46.9%), metabolic diseases (36.2%) and depression (30.6%). The main symptoms following the most recent stroke were difficulties moving the arm/hand (59.4%), difficulties moving the leg (51.9%), and muscle pain (52.5%). Half of the participants reporting spasticity (55.4%) mentioned they/the patient have received healthcare professional management within a week of the onset of the symptoms. The multivariate linear regression model incorporated variables including participant’s profile, medical conditions, symptoms, treatments, and therapies following the most recent stroke. The adapted SS-QoL (post-stroke; n=160) was significantly and independently associated with speech therapy and arm/hand mobility difficulties, suggesting lower QoL in individuals with greater functional and communication impairments (p<0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the critical impact of functional limitations and communication difficulties on QoL among stroke survivors. This study provides insights into the needs of stroke survivors and offers guidance for improving rehabilitation strategies to enhance their QoL.
METHODS: Data were collected in the US via Carenity, an online patient community, between July and November 2023. Participants were adults who had suffered a first stroke with hemiparesis within the last 12 months, or their caregivers. A simplified version of the Stroke Specific Quality of Life scale (SS-QOL) was used to assess QoL. It consisted of 10 questions, each representing a domain of the original SS-QOL. Multivariate linear regression models were used to determine factors significantly and independently associated with the adapted QoL score.
RESULTS: Participants (n=160; 81% were patients and 19% caregivers answering for a stroke patient) reported 1.2 strokes, and their most recent ones were ischemic (72.5%). Participants indicated an average of two comorbidities, with the most common being cardiovascular diseases (46.9%), metabolic diseases (36.2%) and depression (30.6%). The main symptoms following the most recent stroke were difficulties moving the arm/hand (59.4%), difficulties moving the leg (51.9%), and muscle pain (52.5%). Half of the participants reporting spasticity (55.4%) mentioned they/the patient have received healthcare professional management within a week of the onset of the symptoms. The multivariate linear regression model incorporated variables including participant’s profile, medical conditions, symptoms, treatments, and therapies following the most recent stroke. The adapted SS-QoL (post-stroke; n=160) was significantly and independently associated with speech therapy and arm/hand mobility difficulties, suggesting lower QoL in individuals with greater functional and communication impairments (p<0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the critical impact of functional limitations and communication difficulties on QoL among stroke survivors. This study provides insights into the needs of stroke survivors and offers guidance for improving rehabilitation strategies to enhance their QoL.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-05, ISPOR 2025, Montréal, Quebec, CA
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S1
Code
PCR124
Topic
Patient-Centered Research
Topic Subcategory
Patient-reported Outcomes & Quality of Life Outcomes
Disease
SDC: Cardiovascular Disorders (including MI, Stroke, Circulatory)