Article

The purpose was to explore self-rated long-term disability and to
analyze whether initial stroke-related, personal and environmental factors can
predict disability in a population-based sample of community-dwelling young (<65
years) persons suffering a stroke in 2000-2006. METHOD: Data on initial
stroke-related, personal and environmental factors were retrieved from medical
records. A study-specific posted questionnaire was used. RESULTS: Of the 158
young persons with stroke, 78% had suffered a mild stroke. Tiredness was the most
commonly reported mental impairment (86%) followed by impaired memory (67%). A
majority reported limitations/restrictions in returning to leisure activities
(58%) and work (52%). Stroke-related, personal and environmental factors failed
to predict self-reported mental and physical impairments, but predicted activity
limitations/participation restrictions with an acceptable power of accuracy
(0.70-0.73) but a low sensitivity (0.28-0.59). CONCLUSIONS: A majority of these
young persons were diagnosed with a mild stroke but experienced long-term mental
impairments and activity limitations/participation restrictions that could not be
predicted by initial stroke-related, personal and environmental factors solely.
Therefore, regular long-term assessments irrespective of initial stroke severity
are warranted in order to identify disabilities and improve the state of health
among young persons with stroke when needed.

Langue : ANGLAIS