Predictors of quality of life among hyptertensive patients with and without stroke

Abstract

Compliance with the pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic regimen is essential to prevent occurrence and worsening hypertension and stroke. This study aimed at the identification of predictors of Quality of Life (QOL) among hypertensive patients without stroke and hypertensive patients with stroke. Self-reported QOL was obtained from 112 patients with hypertension and stroke and 224 patients with hypertension only with the WHO-QOL-BREF questionnaire and compliance with the pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic regimen was assessed with a standardized questionnaire. Means of QOL were compared with ANOVA procedures and predictors were estimated using multiple linear regression models. The results of this study showed that selfreported QOL is poorer in patients with stroke than in hypertensive patients. Male gender appears to be a strong predictor of quality of life in patients either with hypertension or stroke. Follow up health care programmes are essential for good quality of life among both patient groups. Diet, physical exercise, low level of stress are important factors for enhanced QOL. Current smoking seems to enhance the psychological and social dimensions for both patients groups. Multiple linear regression models indicate that low level of stress and male gender are genuine predictors of all dimensions of QOL among hypertensive patients, but not in stroke patients. It is concluded in this study that compliance with the pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic regimen is strongly linked with a better QOL among patients with stroke and hypertension or hypertension only.