Functional Status and Disability in Stroke Survivors of North India

Stroke is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. It is necessary to not only focus on the medical aspect of the disease but to also cater the disabilities associated with it. The study investigated the complexity of factors that influence the functional status and disability following stroke using qualitative interviews. It was found that majority of stroke patient's fall in the age group of 60-75 years. Occurrence of stroke was found to be more among high income group; those living in joint families and urban dwelling, but the post of disabilities were more severe in rural dwellers. The percentage of motor disability was highest followed by cognitive and social. A majority of stroke patients were leading a poor quality of life with male sufferer's leading a comparatively better life. Disability increased with the increase in level of spasticity and decrease in balance status Majority of subjects who received physiotherapy were mildly dependent for their daily activity and on the other hand those who did not receive were moderate to very severely dependent, depicting that physiotherapy is essential during rehabilitative phase of stroke management.