Factors associated with an active social life after stroke

This study aimed to identify factors which would predict whether a stroke patient is more likely to partake in social activities long term. They concluded that patients who can drive, can walk more than a few hundred feet and have a wide social network are more likely to partake in social activities long term.

Stroke patients often suffer long-term disabilities that can be physical or cognitive. These disabilities can have a negative effect on social and leisure activities. Most research on life post-stroke focuses on the first few years after stroke. Long-term studies usually focus on survival rates and disabilities. While participation in social and leisure situations is important for both mental and physical health of stroke patients, there is very little long term data available. Defining factors that negatively relate to a patients’ participation in social activities would allow practitioners to identify which patients are more likely to suffer in the long run.

This study aimed to identify long-term predictors of the frequency of social and leisure activities after stroke. 145 patients were included. Follow-ups were carried out at 16 months after stroke than again after 10 years. 

The factors at 16 months that were associated with higher frequency in social activities at 10 years were driving a car, walking more than a few hundred meters, and having a wide social network.

The factor at 16 months that was associated with lower frequency in social activities at 10 years was age above 75 years old.

The authors concluded that stroke survivors who can drive, can walk more than a few hundred feet and have a wide social network at 16 months post-stroke are more likely to partake in social activities in the long run. They suggest that this indicates support for stroke patients needs to focus on mobility and social networking during rehabilitation.