Health-Related Quality of Life and Associated Factors Among Patients with Stroke at Tertiary Care Hospital Nepal.

Abstract

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, significantly impacting health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, evidence from Nepal remains limited.

Objective: This study aimed to assess HRQoL and identify its associated factors among stroke patients in a tertiary care hospital in Nepal.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Methods: This study was conducted at the Annapurna Neurological Institute and Allied Sciences (ANIAS) between November 2023 and April 2024 among 120 stroke patients aged ⩾18 years. Baseline data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, and HRQoL was assessed using the EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L) scale. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and multiple linear regression to identify factors associated with HRQoL. A p-value < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The mean HRQoL score was 21.13 ± 6.62, indicating substantial impairment, particularly in usual activities (Mean ± SD: 4.32 ± 1.32), self-care (4.26 ± 1.34), and mobility (4.22 ± 1.32). Lower HRQoL was significantly associated with older age, unemployment, lower educational attainment, and moderate to severe stroke-related disability (p< .001). Strong positive correlations were observed among all five HRQoL domains.

Conclusion: HRQoL is significantly impacted by stroke, with major impairments in usual activities, self-care, and mobility, influenced by both socio-demographic and clinical factors. Implementing targeted, multidimensional rehabilitation strategies such as structured physiotherapy is essential to enhance recovery and improve the quality of life in this population.