Life satisfaction of couples 3 years after stroke

To compare the life satisfaction of stroke patients to that of their spouses, and to examine spouses' variables as determinants of the patients' life satisfaction.

Patients with a first-ever stroke who were admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation centre and their spouses were included (n=78 couples). Measurements took place 3 years after the stroke. Life satisfaction was measured using the Life Satisfaction Questionnaire (LiSat-9).

More spouses (50%) than patients (28%) were dissatisfied with their life as a whole. Spouses were also more likely to be dissatisfied with all other domains of life satisfaction than patients. The associations between the life satisfaction of patients and of spouses were weak (Cramer's V 0.00-0.43). In the backward linear regression analysis both patients' participation in social activities and spouses' life satisfaction were significantly related to patients' life satisfaction. A total of 17.8% of the variance of patients' life satisfaction could be explained by the model.

Both spouse and patient in a couple experience decreased life satisfaction in the chronic phase after stroke, spouses even more so than patients. The life satisfaction of stroke patients was significantly related to spouses' life satisfaction. Family-centred care should be an important part of the rehabilitation process. [

• Both spouse and patient in a couple experience decreased life satisfaction in the chronic phase after stroke.• The life satisfaction of stroke patients was significantly related to spouses’ life satisfaction.• Family-centred care, in which the spouse is closely involved, should be an important part of the rehabilitation process.]