ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the influence of social network on the quality of life of elderly stroke patients in communities. Methods The general situation questionnaire, the stroke impact scale ( SIS) and social network scale for the elderly were used to investigate the community elderly stroke patients. Results The total score of social network was(39. 82±5. 87). The scores of social participation,social con-tact and social support were(11. 79±1. 61),(14. 90±3. 31) and (13. 13±3. 19). Results of univariate a-nalysis showed there were statistically significant differences ( P<0. 05) in quality of life among stroke pa-tients of different ages (F=7. 803),educational level (F=2. 664),family income (F=4. 754),smoking (F=5. 467),alcohol consumption (F=7. 058),physical exercise (F=10. 393),body mass index (t=4. 841) and hypertension (t=-2. 862). Multiple linear regression results showed that 3 times or more exercises per week ( B=5. 689),normal body mass index (B=6. 613),high degree of social support (B=0. 710),social partici-pation (B=1. 421) and social contact (B=1. 372) were protective factors for the quality of life of stroke pa-tients. Age 80 years and above (B=-10. 426),frequent smoking (B=-9. 005),frequent drinking (B=-8. 419) and hypertension ( B=-5. 224) were risk factors for quality of life. Conclusion The elderly stroke patients should quit smoking and alcohol,strengthen exercise,maintain a normal body mass index and avoid overweight and obesity in daily life. While promoting health-related behaviors,more attention should be paid to the promotion effect of social network on treatment,rehabilitation and overall quality of life of stroke patients.