Factors Associated with the Frequency of Doing Domestic Chores After Mild to Moderate Stroke

Abstract

Background: While many studies research factors that affect Instrumental Activities of Daily Living after stroke, few studies research factors that affect domestic chores after stroke. This study aims to investigate factors that affect domestic chores after stroke.

Methods: In this cohort study, 29 stroke patients were followed from the time they entered the rehabilitation ward to one month after discharge. Participants were included if they had been independently doing domestic chores before stroke onset and were independently walking inside the hospital after stroke onset. Variables were selected from demographics, physical function, cognitive function, psychological function, and functioning. The Spearman correlation between the domestic chores score of the Frenchay Activities Index (FAI) after stroke and variables was calculated.

Results: The Timed Up and Go test (r = 0.41, p = 0.03), the Stroke Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (r = 0.54, p < 0.01) and the Functional Independence Measure motor domain (r = 0.57, p < 0.01) were significantly associated with the domestic chores domain of the FAI. Unlike previous studies, cognitive function and depression also didn't show a statistical relationship with domestic chores after stroke.

Conclusion: Our results show that stroke patients should improve their self-efficacy to resume domestic chores after stroke, in addition to physical and cognitive functions. The results are also consistent with previous studies about the research relationship between self-efficacy and functioning.