Article

Aphasia can profoundly affect a person's capacity for social
participation. The purpose of this study is to describe how people with aphasia
participate socially, and to investigate the factors which are related to social
participation. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 150 people with
aphasia using a structured interview format, adjusted to the communicative
abilities of the participants. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics
and multiple regression analyses. Measures used were the Frenchay Aphasia
Screening Test, Barthel Index, Darmouth Coop Functional Health Assessment
Charts/Wonca, Personal Factors Questionnaire, Environmental Factors Questionnaire
and the Community Integration Questionnaire (CIQ). RESULTS: There was much
variation in the social participation of people with aphasia (range total CIQ
score: 4-25). The mean score on the CIQ was 14.2 (SD = 4.9), with the social
integration subscale score contributing most to the total CIQ score. A low home
integration score and a very low productivity score were found for this
population. Age, gender, functional activities of daily living (ADL) performance
and aphasia severity were related to social participation (adjusted R(2) = 0.37).
CONCLUSIONS: Aphasia negatively affects long term social participation, together
with other factors: functional ADL performance, age and gender. Environmental
factors and personal factors do not independently contribute to the level of
social participation.

Langue : ANGLAIS