Quality of life among stroke survivors in the Indian setting: A systematic review
Pavithra Sundaram, Bindu Charles, Rithvik Ramesh, Lakshmi Narasimhan Ranganathan, Suruliraj Karthikbabu, Ramesh Chandrababu, Pitchaimani GovindharajABSTRACT
Background:
Stroke is a major cause of disability globally, leading to physical, emotional, and social challenges. It is a significant noncommunicable disease in India, resulting in death and disability. Quality of life (QL) is essential for reducing the burden of stroke. Hence, this systematic review aims to synthesize current evidence on the QoL among adult stroke survivors, including key influencing factors and commonly used assessment tools.
Materials and Methods:
A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Embase for observational studies on poststroke QoL in India from 2013 to 2024. Methodological quality was assessed, and data were extracted from eligible quantitative studies using validated tools. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist criteria.
Results:
A total of five studies that met the eligibility criteria were included and involved 384 stroke survivors. The included studies consistently reported lower QoL among stroke survivors, particularly in domains of physical functioning, emotional well-being, and social participation. Key predictors of poorer QoL included higher stroke severity, poststroke depression, cognitive impairment, and lack of social support. The World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief Version tool was commonly used to assess QoL.
Conclusions:
This review observed that factors like older age, female sex, lower socioeconomic status, less education, and the presence of multiple comorbidities could have had an impact on the QoL of the stroke patients. These factors contribute to increased dependence and a lower QoL following a stroke.