Quality of Life (Qol) of Malaysian Post-stroke Outpatients: Undergoing Rehabilitation at a Tertiary Teaching Hospital in Malaysia: a Qualitative Study

Stroke is a condition with high incidence mortality rates and is a leading cause of disability in Malaysia. The effect have long-term consequences on post-stroke patients. The impact of stroke on health related QoL may be disastrous; and stroke can affect multiple domains of life. However, there is a dearth of understanding of how stroke affects the quality of life (QoL) of post-stroke patients undergoing rehabilitation. The study was conducted based on the mode of grounded theory using semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was guided by constant comparative method, in which verbatim quotations were catalogued into essential concepts by use of codes developed interatively to reflect the data. Reports obtained were findings from 11 post-stroke patients (6 women and 5 men) aged 50 to 70 years which solicited their perspectives on post-stroke QoL. Themes emerged were impact of stroke on QoL, adaptation and coping strategies, and social support and interation. These findings were consistent with prior research indicating the measures of stroke-related QoL should include awareness and education of the post-stroke patient to cope with the consequences of stroke and disabilities.