[Quality of life: CVA patients take stock]

The approach of the concept 'quality of life' in stroke research is often multi-dimensional; and the dimensions to be studied, are chosen by the researcher. To determine the most important dimensions or aspects of quality of life--from the point of view of stroke patients--we interviewed 75 patients one year, and 83 patients two years after their stroke. These interviews were part of a longterm follow-up of a cohort of 221 stroke patients. Seventy-five percent of both the one- and two-year survivors experienced a deterioration of quality of life. Autonomy appeared to be the most important aspect of quality of life, being spontaneously mentioned by 55% of 75 patients. Compared with the stroke patients, an age- and sex-matched group of 61 controls rated their quality of life more highly. For them, autonomy appeared to be less important, being spontaneously mentioned by 25% of 61 controls. Furthermore, stroke patients attached more importance to social contacts and activities and general health than controls. We suggest to lend more weight in research and medical care, to patients' priorities in quality of life.