Quality of Life of Stroke Survivors and Their Informal Caregivers: A Prospective Study

Abstract Background Stroke is a major health burden worldwide. Healthcare improvements have led to increased survival among stroke patients; however, the disability level remains high. These patients require assistance from caregivers, particularly in the first year after stroke. Longitudinal studies of quality of life (QoL) and the factors associated with QoL for both patients and caregivers are limited. Objectives To describe the changes in QoL and determine the factors associated with QoL for both stroke patients and their informal caregivers in the first year after stroke. Methods This multicenter prospective study was conducted in public hospitals in Mongolia. In this study, 155 first-time stroke patients and their 88 informal caregivers were followed up for 1 year. The World Health Organization QoL-BREF questionnaire was used to assess QoL. The Barthel Index (BI) was administered to the patients at the baseline and after 1 year. A generalized estimating equation analysis was used to determine the factors associated with QoL. Results The QoL of the stroke patients in the physical health and environment domains significantly (p = 0.014) improved after 1 year; however, QoL in the social relationship and psychological health domains declined, but the decline was not significant. Among the caregivers, QoL in the psychological health (p = 0.003) and social relationship (p < 0.001) domains improved; however, physical health declined (p = 0.47), but this decline was not significant. Among the stroke patients, the factors associated with low QoL were older age (β = −0.21, p = 0.04) and being single (β = −12.27, p < 0.001). The female gender (β = 6.5, p = 0.01) and great improvement in the BI score (β = 14.84, p < 0.001) had higher QoL. Among the caregivers, these factors were poor physical health (β = −9.11, p = 0.013) and financial difficulties (β = −9.73, p = 0.008). Conclusions Efficient rehabilitation therapy for poststroke patients can improve their QoL. Disability training and financial support for caregivers of poststroke patients might be helpful; however, further research is required.