Health-Related Quality of Life of Stroke Survivors Receiving Community-Based Occupational Therapy in Metro Cebu: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Stroke remains a major cause of disability in the Philippines, yet limited evidence describes the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of stroke survivors receiving rehabilitation in community-based settings. This pilot cross-sectional study described the HRQoL profile of adult stroke survivors receiving community-based occupational therapy services in selected centers in Metro Cebu. Methods: Fourteen adult stroke survivors were recruited through purposive sampling from selected community-based rehabilitation centers. Participants were screened using the Mini-Mental State Examination and completed the Cebuano version of the EuroQol-5 Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire and the EQ Visual Analog Scale (EQ VAS). EQ-5D-5L responses were converted into health state index scores using the Philippine value set. Descriptive statistics were used. Results: Respondents were mostly 40–64 years old (n = 7, 50.0%) and male (n = 8, 57.1%). The mean EQ-5D-5L health state index score was 0.763 (SD = 0.152; range = 0.325–0.957), while the mean EQ VAS score was 69.29 (SD = 21.02; range = 20–100). No respondent obtained a full health state index score. Self-care was least affected, while usual activities had the highest proportion of moderate problems. Slight problems were common in mobility, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression. Conclusion: Findings provide a preliminary HRQoL profile of stroke survivors receiving community-based occupational therapy in Metro Cebu. Community rehabilitation planning may benefit from addressing usual activities, mobility, pain/discomfort, and emotional well-being alongside basic self-care.