Functional mobility and depression negatively impact quality of life in older adults with stroke

Background The quality of life (QoL) in elderly post-stroke patients may deteriorate due to an interplay of physical and psychological impairments, compounded by social challenges stemming from these issues. Objective This study aimed to identify predictors of QoL in elderly post-stroke patients by evaluating their functional capabilities, depressive symptoms, and levels of social support. Methods A cohort of 122 individuals aged 65 and older, who had experienced a stroke, was assessed. Functional independence was gauged using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), depressive states were evaluated with the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and social support was quantified through the Social Support Scale (SSS). The WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire was employed to measure QoL. Results The FIM and GDS scores were significant predictors for WHOQOL-BREF domains 1 and 2 (adjusted R² = 0.522, p < 0.01; and adjusted R² = 0.586, p < 0.01, respectively). GDS alone was a significant predictor for domain 3 (adjusted R² = 0.236, p < 0.01), while all variables were significant predictors for domain 4 (adjusted R² = 0.315, p < 0.01). Conclusions Depression, motor function, and social support were identified as the primary predictors of QoL in elderly individuals after suffering a stroke.