Self-Perceived ADL/IADL Function is Influenced by Residual Neurological Impairment, Aphasia, and Anxiety

Background. Self-perceptions of performance of activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) are reduced following stroke. Research investigating contributing factors is lacking. Purpose: We examined the extent to which aphasia status, neurological impairment and poststroke depression, and anxiety contribute to self-perceived ADL/IADL function. Method: Seventy-six community-dwelling individuals at least 6 months poststroke, 44 with and 32 without aphasia, participated in the cross-sectional study. The Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) ADL/IADL domain was the primary outcome measure with aphasia status, residual neurological impairment, depressive symptoms, and anxiety as predictor variables. Findings: Aphasia status, residual neurological impairment, and anxiety were independent predictors of self-perceived ADL/IADL function, together accounting for more than half the variance. Depression was not associated with ADL/IADL. Implications: Clinician awareness of the influence of anxiety on self-perceived ADL/IADL function, particularly for people with aphasia, may lead to future interventions that improve self-perceived ADL/IADL function.