Analysis of Prognostic Factors Affecting Quality of Life After Ischemic Stroke

Background: Ischemic stroke remains a major cause of disability and reduced quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to identify factors associated with QoL after ischemic stroke, with particular emphasis on independence, illness acceptance, social support, comorbidity status, and the timeliness of diagnosis and treatment. Methods: This single-center cross-sectional study included 100 consecutively recruited patients after ischemic stroke hospitalized in the Department of Neurology with the Stroke Unit at the S. Żeromski Specialist Hospital in Krakow. Data were collected using an author-designed questionnaire and standardized instruments: the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (IADL), and the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS). Statistical analysis included Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and the Mann-Whitney U, Friedman, and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests. Results: Significant positive correlations were found between all WHOQOL-BREF domains and IADL, AIS, and MSPSS scores. The strongest correlations were observed between IADL and the physical and psychological QoL domains. A strong positive correlation was also found between IADL and AIS (rho = 0.88; p < 0.001). Better QoL and greater independence were observed in patients with fewer comorbidities. Patients who received timely diagnosis and treatment achieved better outcomes in terms of QoL, IADL, and AIS. Perceived social support was comparable across MSPSS subscales (p = 0.56) but positively correlated with all QoL domains (rho = 0.55-0.64; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Better QoL after ischemic stroke was associated with greater independence, higher illness acceptance, stronger perceived social support, and timely diagnosis and treatment, suggesting that post-stroke QoL is related to both functional and psychosocial factors.