Article

We describe self-reported consequences for physical and cognitive
functions, detect possible gender differences, and find factors that were
associated with deteriorated physical function in younger stroke patients,
independent in their personal activities of daily life. This study
involved all first ever stroke patients, aged 18-55 years, registered in the
Swedish national quality register for stroke. A questionnaire was answered by
1068 patients 8-36 months after the stroke. Changes were sought in physical and
cognitive functions as compared with the pre-stroke condition. RESULTS: Eight
hundred and sixty-seven patients (83%) were independent in personal activities of
daily life. Significant differences between men and women were found:
deteriorated physical ability was reported by 56-71% of the men and 65-79% of the
women; deteriorated cognitive function was reported by 48-57% of the men and
57-68% of the women. Many patients (70% men, 77% women) reported that they had
received insufficient information about physical exertion. Significant
associations were found between deteriorated physical function and deteriorated
cognitive function as well as fear of physical exertion. CONCLUSIONS:
Deterioration was found in physical and cognitive functions greater in women then
in men. Insecurity regarding physical exertion existed indicating that younger
stroke patients might need information directly aimed at physical functioning and
more gender specific than today. This study has raised the awareness that there
also might be gender differences in other fields, which needs further studies.

Langue : ANGLAIS