Participation in social and leisure activities while re-constructing the self: understanding strategies used by stroke survivors from a long-term perspective.

PURPOSE: To further understand social and leisure (SL) participation after stroke and how it can be supported in a long-term perspective, this study aims to deepen the understanding of strategies used by long-term stroke survivors in relation to SL activities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study has a qualitative design, using a grounded theory approach, and is based on in-depth interviews with 10 persons who had a stroke 15 years ago and four of their family members. RESULTS: The findings comprise nine different strategies used by the participants. These had two overarching purposes; to protect and re-construct the post-stroke self and to enable participation in valued SL activities despite challenges. The findings are summarized in one overarching theme: "Employing different strategies to balance costs and rewards of engagement in social and leisure activities". CONCLUSIONS: Strategies for SL participation involves balancing different priorities in life and can change over time as they are continuously influenced by various personal and environmental conditions. These findings contribute to an improved understanding of why and how people hold on to activities, give up activities and find new activities after a stroke. It also highlights the need for a long-term perspective on stroke rehabilitation and support.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONRe-engagement in social and leisure activities after stroke is a long-term process and various types of support may be needed during different stages of recovery and adaptation.Successful rehabilitation interventions build on an understanding of each individual's priorities, goals and strategies and how these may change or manifest over time.Special attention should be given to the individual's perception of costs and benefits in relation to engagement in activities, and the role that it has for the person's identity.By providing knowledge and supporting the use of adequate coping strategies, rehabilitation professionals can help patients find a new and accepted post-stroke identity.

Falls After Stroke: A Follow-up after Ten Years in Lund Stroke Register.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate incidence of self-reported falls and associated factors in a ten-year perspective after stroke. METHODS: From a population-based cohort of first-ever stroke patients (n = 416) included in the Lund Stroke Register between March 1, 2001, and February 28, 2002, we performed a follow up of all 145 survivors ten years after stroke. We collected data on age, gender, main stroke type, living and housing situation, general health status (question 1 in the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), dizziness, physical activity, Barthel Index, mobility aids, moving ability inside/outside, and health-related quality of life as defined by the EuroQol 3 dimension scale (EQ-5D-3L). Factors that may relate to falls were compared between those who had experienced falls after stroke or not. RESULTS: Ten years after stroke, 49 patients (34 %) reported falls and 96 patients (66 %) reported no falls. Compared to patients with no falls, those who reported falls were older (median age 83.3 years vs 75.6 years; p < 0.001), more often lived alone, were more dependent in daily living, had less physical activity, poorer general health status, more often needed mobility aids, were more often unable to move alone outside, and had poorer health-related quality of life in all items in EQ-5D-3L except pain/discomfort. CONCLUSIONS: Falls had occurred in approximately one third of the participants ten years after the stroke, and were strongly associated with several measures of frailty. Our results indicate that fall prevention should in particular focus on those at high risk of falls.

Consciousness assessment: A questionnaire of current neuroscience nursing practice in Europe.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To study practice in consciousness assessment among neuroscience nurses in Europe. BACKGROUND: Over the years, several instruments have been developed to assess the level of consciousness for patients with brain injury. It is unclear which instrument is being used by nurses in Europe and how they are trained to use these tools adequately. DESIGN/METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire, created by the European Association of Neuroscience Nurses Research Committee, was sent to neuroscience nurses in 13 European countries. The countries participated in 2016 with a response period of 3 months for each country. RESULTS: A total of 331 questionnaires were completed by nurses in 11 different countries. Assessment of consciousness was part of the daily routine for a majority of bedside nurses (95%), with an estimated median frequency of six times per shift. The majority uses a standardised instrument, and the Glasgow Coma Scale is the most common. Most participants assess consciousness primarily for clinical decision-making and report both total scores and subscores. The majority was formally trained or educated in use of the instrument, but methods of training were divers. Besides the estimated frequency of assessments and training, no significant difference was found between bedside nurses and other nurse positions, educational level or kind of institution. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that consciousness assessment is part of the daily routine for most nurses working in neurology/neurosurgery/neurorehabilitation wards in Europe. The greatest variation existed in training methods for the use of the instruments, and we recommend standardised practice in the use of assessment scales. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: In clinical practice, both managers and staff nurses should focus on formalised training in the use of assessment tools, to ensure reliability and reproducibility. This may also increase the professionalism in the neuroscience nurses' role and performance.

Living and ageing with stroke: an exploration of conditions influencing participation in social and leisure activities over 15 years.

OBJECTIVE: To explore conditions influencing long-term participation in social and leisure activities among people who have had a stroke. METHODS: This study had a qualitative design, using a grounded theory methodology. Data collection was based on in-depth interviews performed 15 years after a first-ever stroke with 10 persons recruited from a population-based stroke cohort in Sweden. The study also included four family members. FINDINGS: Over time, the stroke meant a changed but gradually normalised life situation. Participation in social and leisure activities was influenced by several transacting personal and contextual conditions changing with time and ageing. Central conditions that emerged from the analysis included personal characteristics, having social and supportive networks, being dependent on others, having access to valued activities and contexts, being motivated to participate, and perceiving sufficient capacity to participate. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term participation after stroke is possible despite impairments, but is influenced by a range of personal and environmental conditions. Stroke rehabilitation should be based on an awareness of this influence and address conditions that change with time and ageing during different phases after stroke.

Nursing care for stroke patients: A survey of current practice in 11 European countries.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To conduct a survey of the clinical nursing practice in European countries in accordance with the European Stroke Strategies 2006 and to examine to what extent the European Stroke Strategies have been implemented in stroke care nursing in Europe. BACKGROUND: Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability globally. Optimal organisation of interdisciplinary stroke care is expected to ameliorate outcome after stroke. Consequently, universal access to stroke care based on evidence-based guidelines is a priority. DESIGN: This study is a descriptive cross-sectional survey. METHODS: A questionnaire comprising 61 questions based on the European Stroke Strategies and scientific evidence in nursing practice was distributed to representatives of the European Association of Neuroscience Nurses, who sent the questionnaire to nurses active in stroke care. The questionnaire covered the following areas of stroke care: organisation of stroke services, management of acute stroke and prevention including basic care and nursing, and secondary prevention. RESULTS: Ninety-two nurses in stroke care in 11 European countries participated in the survey. Within the first 48 hr after stroke onset, 95% monitor patients regularly, 94% start mobilisation after 24 hr when patients are stable, and 89% assess patients' ability to swallow. Change of position for immobile patients is followed by 73%, and postvoid residual urine volume is measured by 85%. Some aspects needed improvement, for example, staff education (70%), education for patients/families/carers (55%) and individual care plans in secondary prevention (62%). CONCLUSIONS: The participating European countries comply well with the European Stroke Strategies guidelines, particularly in the acute stroke care, but not all stroke units have reached optimal development in all aspects of stroke care nursing. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Our study may provide clinical administrators and nurses in stroke care with information that may contribute to improved compliance with the European Stroke Strategies and evidence-based guidelines.

Older Women Benefit from Thrombolysis as Much as Older Men.

BACKGROUND: Although the incidence of stroke among older people increases, the use of intravenous thrombolysis has initially been restricted in the elderly. However, more people aged more than 80 years, a majority of them women, may benefit from thrombolysis. Therefore characteristics, outcome, and complications in older women (aged more than 80 years) undergoing thrombolysis are studied and compared to older men and to younger women (aged less than 80 years) to detect any gender and age differences. METHODS: Retrospective study of stroke patients treated with thrombolysis based on data collected from medical records. Outcome and complications were analyzed in 3 groups in relation to age and gender. RESULTS: From a total of 108 patients treated with thrombolysis, 94 could be included in the study (36 women ≥80 years, 23 men ≥80 years, and 35 women <80 years). Improvement over the first 24 hours and at 3 months, and mortality were comparable between older women and men. Older women had more major strokes, a higher mortality, and 3-month morbidity than younger women. There was no significant difference in intracranial hemorrhage between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: We found no significant difference between older women and men in outcome and mortality after thrombolysis. Older women suffered from more severe strokes, and had a higher mortality and worse outcome than younger women. The frequency of intracranial hemorrhage was comparable. Given the higher percentage of older women suffering from more severe strokes, our results emphasize that thrombolysis should not be withheld exclusively based on age.

Long-Term Predictors of Social and Leisure Activity 10 Years after Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Restrictions in social and leisure activity can have negative consequences for the health and well-being of stroke survivors. To support the growing number of people who are ageing with stroke, knowledge is needed about factors that influence such activity in a long-term perspective. AIM: To identify long-term predictors of the frequency of social and leisure activities 10 years after stroke. METHOD: 145 stroke survivors in Sweden were followed-up at 16 months and 10 years after a first-ever stroke. Data representing body functions, activities & participation, environmental factors and personal factors at 16 months after stroke, were used in multiple linear regression analyses to identify predictors of the activity frequency after 10 years, as assessed by the 'Community, social and civic life' sub-domain of the Frenchay Activities Index (FAI-CSC). RESULTS: At the 10-year follow-up the frequency of social and leisure activities varied considerably among the participants, with FAI-CSC scores spanning the entire score range 0-9 (mean/median 4.9/5.0). Several factors at 16 months post stroke were independently related to the long-term activity frequency. The final regression model included four significant explanatory variables. Driving a car (B = 0.999), ability to walk a few hundred meters (B = 1.698) and extent of social network (B = 1.235) had a positive effect on activity frequency, whereas an age ≥ 75 years had a negative effect (B = -1.657). This model explained 36.9% of the variance in the FAI-CSC (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Stroke survivors who drive a car, have the ability to walk a few hundred meters and have a wide social network at 16 months after a first-ever stroke are more likely to have a high frequency of social and leisure activities after 10 years, indicating that supporting outdoor mobility and social anchorage of stroke survivors during rehabilitation is important to counteract long-term inactivity.

Activity among long-term stroke survivors. A study based on an ICF-oriented analysis of two established ADL and social activity instruments.

PURPOSE: To describe activity in different aspects of daily life among long-term stroke survivors, and conceptualise the content of the Barthel Index (BI) and the Swedish extended and modified Frenchay Activities Index (mFAI) using the ICF framework. METHOD: Assessments were performed by means of the BI and the mFAI at a 10-year follow-up of 145 consecutive stroke survivors from Lund Stroke Register, Sweden. After linking the two instruments to the ICF core set for stroke, data were analysed and presented in terms of activity-specific domain-scores for the total sample and sub-groups according to gender and age. RESULTS: Together the two instruments covered 69% of the Activities and participation component of the ICF core set for stroke. Two activity-specific domains were identified within the BI and six within the mFAI. Most participants reported a high overall activity level. Inactivity was most common among those ≥80 years. Men and women participated in different types of activities and used different modes of transport. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term stroke survivors have a high activity level in daily life, though individual variation is considerable. The structure provided by linking instruments to the ICF core set for stroke can be used for more fine-tuned descriptions of activity. Implications for Rehabilitation Since most long-term stroke survivors are independent in ADL but may have limitations in other activity domains such as social and leisure activities, these aspects should be considered in the rehabilitation process. Older stroke survivors deserve special attention due to their higher risk of long-term inactivity. The Barthel Index and the Swedish extended and modified Frenchay Activities Index are complementary for assessments of ADL and social activity after stroke and cover over two thirds of the Activities and participation component in the ICF core set for stroke.

Living with companion animals after stroke: experiences of older people in community and primary care nursing.

Older people often have companion animals, and the significance of animals in human lives should be considered by nurses-particularly in relation to older people's health, which can be affected by diseases. The incidence of stroke increases with age and disabilities as a result of stroke are common. This study aimed to explore older people's experiences of living with companion animals after stroke, and their life situation with the animals in relation to the physical, psychological and social aspects of recovery after stroke. The study was performed using individual interviews approximately 2 years after stroke with 17 participants (10 women and 7 men) aged 62-88 years. An overarching theme arising from the content analysis was contribution to a meaningful life. This theme was generated from four categories: motivation for physical and psychosocial recovery after stroke; someone to care for who cares for you; animals as family members; and providers of safety and protection. The main conclusion was that companion animals are experienced as physical and psychosocial contributors to recovery and a meaningful life after stroke.

Variations in apolipoprotein D and sigma non-opioid intracellular receptor 1 genes with relation to risk, severity and outcome of ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: In experimental studies, the apolipoprotein D (APOD) and the sigma receptor type 1 (SIGMAR1) have been related to processes of brain damage, repair and plasticity. METHODS: We examined blood samples from 3081 ischemic stroke (IS) patients and 1595 control subjects regarding 10 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the APOD (chromosomal location 3q29) and SIGMAR1 (chromosomal location 9p13) genes to find possible associations with IS risk, IS severity (NIHSS-score) and recovery after IS (modified Rankin Scale, mRS, at 90 days). Simple/multiple logistic regression and Spearman's rho were utilized for the analyses. RESULTS: Among the SNPs analyzed, rs7659 within the APOD gene showed a possible association with stroke risk (OR = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.01-1.25; P = 0.029) and stroke severity (NIHSS ≥ 16) (OR = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.54-0.92; P = 0.009) when controlling for age, sex and vascular risk factors for stroke. No SNP showed an association with stroke recovery (mRS). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the SNP rs7659 within the APOD gene might be related to risk and severity of ischemic stroke in patients.

Secondary prevention and health promotion after stroke: can it be enhanced?

The aim was to study if health outcome and secondary prevention were satisfactory 1 year after stroke and if nurse-led interventions 3 months after stroke could have impact. Design was a randomized controlled open trial in a 1-year population. Primary outcome was health status 1 year after stroke. One month after stroke, survivors were randomized into intervention group (IG) with follow-up by a specialist nurse (SN) after 3 months (n = 232), and control group (CG) with standard care (n = 227), all to be followed up 1 year after stroke. At the first follow-up, patients graded their health, replied to the EuroQol-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) health outcome questions, health problems were assessed, and supportive counseling was provided in the IG. Health problems requiring medical interventions were primarily referred to a general practitioner (GP). One year after stroke, 391 survivors were followed up. Systolic blood pressure (BP) had decreased in IG (n = 194) from median 140 to 135 (P = .05), but about half were above the limit 139 in both groups. A larger proportion (22%) had systolic BP >155 in the CG (n = 197) than in the IG (14%; P = .05). In the IG, 62% needed referrals compared with the 75% in the CG (P = .009). Forty percent in the IG and 52.5% in the CG (P = .04) reported anxiety/depression. In the IG, 75% and 67% in the CG rated their general health as fairly good or very good (P = .05). Although nurse-led interventions could have some effect, the results were not optimal. A more powerful strategy could be closer collaboration between the SN and a stroke clinician, before referring to primary care.

Functional status and patient-reported outcome 10 years after stroke: the Lund Stroke Register.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Long-term studies of outcome after stroke are scarce. Our aim was to study functional status and patient-reported outcome 10 years after a first-ever stroke. METHODS: Ten-year follow-up was conducted among the survivors from a population-based group of 416 patients included in the Lund Stroke Register, Sweden, between March 1, 2001, and February 28, 2002. The Barthel index was used to assess the functional status and the modified Rankin Scale to assess the degree of disability. The EQ-5D scale was used for survivors' self-reports about health outcome and the specific Short-Form 36 (SF-36) question for rating their overall health. The patients also reported their frequency of physical activity. RESULTS: Among 145 survivors 10 years after stroke (median age, 78 years), 59% were men, 90% lived in their ordinary housing, 73% were assessed as independent, and 71% had no or slight disability. The need of assistance with mobility and self-care was reported by 14% and with usual activities by 22%. Moderate pain was reported by 39%, and 4% had a high degree of pain. Moderate anxiety/depression was reported by 28% and high degree only by 1%. Overall health status was reported in positive terms by more than two thirds of the survivors. Almost half the cohort reported the same frequency of physical activity (≥4× weekly) as before stroke onset. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that 10-year stroke survivors in Sweden are mostly independent in daily activities and report good overall health and frequent physical activity, although half of them are ≥78 years.

Left-sided hemiparesis, pain frequency, and decreased passive shoulder range of abduction are predictors of long-lasting poststroke shoulder pain.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the proportion of persons with poststroke shoulder pain 4 months after onset of the stroke in whom long-lasting shoulder pain develops and to assess the extent to which age, side of paresis at stroke onset, pain frequency and pain intensity, passive shoulder range of motion, resistance to passive movements, motor function, and subluxation at 4 months after stroke predict shoulder pain 1 year later. DESIGN: A prospective study. SETTING: A university hospital outpatient clinical setting. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-eight men and women with their first-ever stroke (mean age, 71 years) and affected sensory-motor function in the upper extremity at stroke onset who all reported shoulder pain in the affected side 4 months after onset of the stroke. METHODS: At 4 and 16 months after having a stroke, the participants rated their self-perceived shoulder pain (frequency and intensity). Passive range of shoulder abduction and external rotation, resistance to passive movements in the elbow, and motor function in the shoulder were assessed by a physical therapist. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: A question about pain frequency (constant, often, or occasional), the Visual Analogue Scale for Pain for self-perceived shoulder pain intensity, a goniometer for range of motion, the Modified Ashworth Scale for resistance to passive movements, and the Motor Assessment Scale for motor function. RESULTS: Of the 58 participants who had shoulder pain 4 months after having a stroke, 42 (72%) still had pain at 16 months. The logistic regression indicated an association between shoulder pain at 16 months and left-sided hemiparesis at stroke onset (P = .01; odds ratio [OR] 10.47; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.92-57.05), pain frequency (P = .02; OR 6.85; 95% CI 1.46-32.14), decreased passive abduction at 4 months (P = .05; OR 4.46; 95% CI 0.99-20.10), and age (P = .07; OR 1.05; 95% CI 1.0-1.12). CONCLUSIONS: A high proportion of persons with shoulder pain 4 months after having a stroke are at risk of having persistent shoulder pain 1 year later. Left-sided hemiparesis, pain reported frequently, and decreased passive shoulder range of abduction at 4 months are predictors of long-lasting poststroke shoulder pain and require increased attention in the rehabilitation setting.

Ischaemic stroke in hypertensive patients is associated with variations in the PDE4D genome region.

Previous Icelandic studies reported that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the phosphodiesterase 4D (PDE4D) region and the 5-lipoxygenase activating protein ALOX5AP were associated with ischaemic stroke, whereas other studies reported ambiguous findings. We examined 932 ischaemic stroke patients from a Swedish population-based stroke register, and 396 control subjects. We assessed possible associations between ischaemic stroke and nine preselected SNPs in the chromosome regions of the PDE4D gene, including rs12188950 (SNP45) and rs3887175 (SNP39); the ALOX5AP gene, including rs17222814 (SG13S25) and the promoter region of the MHC class II transactivator, MHC2TA. The T allele of SNP45 showed negative association with ischaemic stroke (odds ratio, OR=0.72; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.58-0.91; P=0.0055). Among hypertensive subjects, this influence of the T allele of SNP45, and the T allele of SNP39, were more pronounced (with OR=0.52; 95% CI: 0.37-0.73; P=0.0001 and OR=0.57; 95% CI: 0.41-0.79; P=0.0007, respectively). These SNPs also interacted with hypertension with a relative excess risk due to interaction of -1.66 (P=0.0002) for SNP45 and -1.65 (P=0.0005) for SNP39. The P-values remained significant after correction for multiple testing. Among nonhypertensives, the A allele of SG13S25 indicated increased stroke risk (OR=1.82; 95% CI: 1.21-2.74; P=0.0039; not significant after Bonferroni correction). SNP45 was associated with ischaemic stroke even when controlling for hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and smoking. Our meta-analysis of 13 studies (including ours) showed no overall influence of SNP45 on ischaemic stroke. However, the 13 studies may differ because of nonrandom causes, as suggested by the heterogeneity test (P=0.042). This might support previously undetected mechanisms causing fluctuating ischaemic stroke risk.

Weight loss after stroke: a population-based study from the Lund Stroke Register.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Data on the prevalence and indicators of weight loss in population-based groups of stroke survivors are scarce. We aimed to find the predictors and indicators of weight loss >3 kg as a possible marker of malnutrition after stroke. METHODS: We registered weight at baseline, after 4 months, and 1 year later in 305 survivors from a population-based cohort of first-ever stroke patients. Characteristics of the patients were registered at baseline and follow-ups, including glycosylated hemoglobin at baseline and follow-up II, eating difficulties at both follow-ups, and screening for depression at follow-up II. We used univariate and multivariate analyses to find baseline predictors and follow-up indicators related to weight loss >3 kg from baseline. RESULTS: Among the 305 patients, 60% were male, the mean age was 72.5 years, and mean body mass index was 25.8 kg/m(2). The main stroke types were cerebral infarction (89%), intracerebral hemorrhage (7%), and subarachnoid hemorrhage (4%). Weight loss >3 kg was found in 74 (24%) patients (mean, -6.6 kg) after 4 months and in 79 patients (26%; mean, -8.3 kg) 1 year later. Severe stroke and elevated glycosylated hemoglobin levels were baseline predictors of weight loss >3 kg. Indicators associated with short-term weight loss (at follow-up I) were eating difficulties, low prealbumin value, and dependence (Barthel Index), whereas indicators associated with long-term weight loss (follow-up II) were eating difficulties, hemorrhagic stroke, and low prealbumin value. CONCLUSIONS: Weight loss >3 kg after stroke indicates the need for closer observation regarding nutritional status. Monitoring of body weight may be useful, particularly among patients with severe stroke, eating difficulties, low prealbumin values, and impaired glucose metabolism.

Stroke incidence and survival in the beginning of the 21st century in southern Sweden: comparisons with the late 20th century and projections into the future.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We report trends of stroke incidence and survival up to year 2001/2002 in Lund-Orup, Sweden, and projections of future stroke incidence in Sweden. METHODS: Lund Stroke Register, a prospective population-based study, included all first-ever stroke patients, between March 1, 2001 and February 28, 2002, in the Lund-Orup health care district. Institution-based studies for 1983 to 1985 and 1993 to 1995 were used for comparison. We calculated age-standardized incidence and Cox proportional hazards analysis of survival (stroke subtype, sex, age group, and study period in the analysis). Minimum follow-up was 46 months. Based on our register's stroke incidence and the official Swedish population projection, a projection for future stroke incidence on a national basis was calculated. RESULTS: We included 456 patients with first-ever stroke in 2001/2002. The age-standardized incidence (to the European population) was 144 per 100 000 person-years (95%CI 130 to 158) in 2001/2002, 158 (95%CI 149 to 168) in 1993 to 1995, and 134 (95%CI 126 to 143) in 1983 to 1985. Cox proportional hazard analysis indicated decreased risk of death after stroke in 2001/2002 (hazard ratio 0.80; 95%CI 0.67 to 0.94) compared with 1993 to 1995. Up to year 2050, the annual number of new stroke patients in Sweden may increase by 59% based solely on demographic changes. CONCLUSIONS: Despite possible underestimation of stroke incidence during the previous institution-based studies, the increased stroke incidence between 1983 to 1985 and 1993 to 1995 did not continue in 2001/2002. The long-term survival after stroke continues to improve. As the elderly population is growing in Sweden, stable incidence and increasing survival will result in a rapidly increasing prevalence of stroke patients in Sweden.

Shoulder pain after stroke: a prospective population-based study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Shoulder pain is a well-known complication after stroke, but data on prevalence, predictors, and outcome in unselected stroke populations are limited. METHODS: During a 1-year period, 416 first-ever stroke patients were included in the population-based Lund Stroke Register. After 4 months, 327 patients were followed up and 1 year later, the surviving 305 patients were followed up again. General status (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score) was registered at stroke onset. Shoulder pain intensity (visual analog scale, score 0 to 30=no-mild and 40 to 100=moderate-severe pain); arm motor function; restricted dressing and/or ambulating; and functional status (Barthel Index) were registered at both follow ups. RESULTS: Shoulder pain onset within 4 months after stroke was reported by 71 patients (22%). Among the 61 patients able to score the visual analog scale, 79% had moderate-severe pain. One year later, 8 of these 71 patients had died, 17 had no remaining pain, and 28 additional patients had developed shoulder pain since the first follow up. Lost or impaired arm motor function and high National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score were predictors of shoulder pain. Shoulder pain restricted daily life often or constantly when dressing for 51%/31% and when ambulating for 29%/13% of the patients at 4 and 16 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Almost one third of the 327 patients developed shoulder pain after stroke onset, a majority with moderate- severe pain. Shoulder pain restricts patients' daily life after stroke. The increased risk of shoulder pain for patients with impaired arm motor function and/or low general status needs close attention in poststroke care.

Prevalence of stroke and vascular risk factors among first-degree relatives of stroke patients and control subjects. A prospective consecutive study.

BACKGROUND: Genetic and environmental factors may be of importance for stroke risk. We assessed the prevalence of stroke and vascular risk factors among first-degree relatives and spouses of stroke patients and control subjects. METHODS: As a part of the Lund Stroke Register study, we asked 925 consecutive patients with first-ever stroke and 286 control subjects to complete a questionnaire about all their first-degree relatives and spouses. The questionnaires addressed whether these relatives had been affected by stroke or TIA, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and if they were smokers. RESULTS: A total of 606 patients and 261 control subjects returned the questionnaire, providing information on 4,972 first-degree relatives and 738 spouses. The prevalence of stroke or TIA was 12.3% among first-degree relatives of patients and 7.5% among first-degree relatives of control subjects (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.36-2.22). Corresponding results for hypertension were 21.0 and 16.7% (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.10-1.60). The prevalences of heart disease, diabetes mellitus and smoking did not differ significantly between first-degree relatives of patients and control subjects. Spouses of patients and control subjects had similar prevalences of stroke or TIA and vascular risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalences of stroke or TIA and hypertension are higher among first-degree relatives of stroke patients than among first-degree relatives of control subjects. This, and the lack of differences between spouses of patients and control subjects, indicates that an increased risk of stroke may in part be explained by heritability of hypertension.

Determinants of quality of life in stroke survivors and their informal caregivers.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We examined longitudinal changes of quality of life (QOL) covering physical and mental factors in an unselected group of stroke patients and their informal caregivers. Our hypothesis was that informal caregivers would have better QOL than patients at both follow-ups, and that changes, if any, would be related to the patients' status. METHODS: QOL of 304 consecutive stroke patients and their 234 informal caregivers from the population-based Lund Stroke Register was assessed 4 months after stroke onset with the Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire. SF-36 was repeated for both groups after 16 months together with Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-20) for patients. RESULTS: The patients' mean QOL scores improved between 4 and 16 months after stroke in the socio-emotional and mental SF-36 domains and decreased in the domain physical function. Multivariate analyses showed that the patients' most important determinants of QOL after 16 months were GDS-20 score, functional status, age, and gender. Informal caregivers had better QOL than patients except for the domain role emotional and the mental component summary. The caregivers' most important determinants of QOL were their own age and the patients' functional status. CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights depressive symptoms in determining QOL of stroke patients. Despite self-perceived deterioration in physical function over time, several other components of QOL improved, suggesting internal adaptation to changes in their life situations. Informal caregivers of stroke patients may be under considerable strain as suggested by their lower emotional-mental scores.

Participation of professional categories when reorganizing two hospitals--a comparative study and an evaluation.

BACKGROUND: At one University Hospital in Sweden (Hospital A) a new organization had been in effect for 4 years. The main characteristics were patient care departments managed by nurses, consisting of five wards serving organ-specific centres, which were organized in specialized departments managed by physicians. At another University Hospital (Hospital B) a reorganization was in the final planning process. DESIGN: This qualitative study evaluated and compared the process of planning and preparing reorganization at the two hospitals and evaluated the new organization at Hospital A. FINDINGS: Results show that all professional categories were involved all through the planning and preparing process at Hospital A. At Hospital B only physicians were involved. The goals set by the group planning the new organization at Hospital A had been achieved regarding cost effectiveness, personnel development, quality improvement in nursing care as well as other aspects. Nurses and nurse assistants were, for the most part, satisfied with the new organization and if unsatisfied, this was because of other factors. Physicians, in most cases, wanted a physician as manager on the level between the patient care department and the director.