Long-term unmet needs and associated factors in stroke or TIA survivors: An observational study
Methods: Community-dwelling adults were invited to participate in a survey ≥ 2 years after discharge for stroke/TIA. Unmet needs were assessed across 5 domains: activities and participation, environmental factors, body functions, post-acute care, and secondary prevention. Factors associated with unmet needs were determined with multivariable negative binomial regression.
Results: Of 485 participants invited to complete the survey, 391 (81%) responded (median age 73 years, 67% male). Most responders (87%) reported unmet needs in ≥1 of the measured domains, particularly in secondary prevention (71%). Factors associated with fewer unmet needs included older age (incident rate ratio [IRR] 0.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.50-0.77), greater functional ability (IRR 0.33, 95% CI 0.17-0.67), and reporting that the general practitioner was the most important in care (IRR 0.69, 95% CI 0.57-0.84). Being depressed (IRR 1.61, 95% CI 1.23-2.10) and receiving community services after stroke (IRR 1.45, 95% CI 1.16-1.82) were associated with more unmet needs.
Conclusions: Survivors of stroke/TIA reported considerable unmet needs ≥ 2 years after discharge, particularly in secondary prevention. The factors associated with unmet needs could help guide policy decisions, particularly for tailoring care and support services provided after discharge.
History
Publication title
NeurologyVolume
89Pagination
68-75ISSN
0028-3878Department/School
Menzies Institute for Medical ResearchPublisher
Lippincott Williams & WilkinsPlace of publication
530 Walnut St, Philadelphia, USA, Pa, 19106-3621Rights statement
© 2017 American Academy of NeurologyRepository Status
- Restricted