Authors: Rochette A.; Desrosiers J.; Noreau L.

Source: Disability and Rehabilitation, Volume 23, Number 13, 20 September 2001 , pp. 559-569(11)

Publisher: Informa Healthcare

Abstract:

Background and purpose: Little is known about the potential role of environmental factors in the handicap creation process following a stroke. The objective of this study was to explore the presence of a relationship between environmental factors and the occurrence of handicap following a stroke, taking into consideration age and the level of impairments and disabilities. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study where data were collected 6 months after discharge from an intensive functional rehabilitation unit. A convenience sample of 51 participants was recruited at the time of their admission to the rehabilitation unit for rehabilitation post-stroke. Perceived influence of environmental factors was measured using the Measure of the Quality of the Environment (MQE). Handicap situations were measured with the Assessment of Life Habits (LIFE-H). Impairments and disabilities comprised six domains (cognition, perception, depression, communication, sensorimotor function and comorbidity) assessed using a variety of measuring tools from which a composite score was derived. Results: Fifty-one participants aged 40-97 years old took part in this study. Perceived obstacles in the environment, together with age and the level of impairments and disabilities, explained 58.9% of the variation in the LIFE-H (handicap level). Taken alone, the perceived obstacles (total score) explained 6.2% . The perceived facilitators (total score) in the environment were not found to be related to the presence of handicap situations. Conclusion: Increased level of impairments and disabilities, advanced age and perceived barriers in the physical and social environment contribute to the handicap creation process following a stroke.

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2001-09-20

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