Quality of life after stroke rehabilitation among urban vs. rural patients in Thailand

Background: Stroke patients who live in different areas might have different adjustments for their impairment and disability after stroke attack. These factors should be evaluated in Thai patients. Objective: To compare functional outcome, psychological outcome and quality of life of stroke patients who live in urban vs. rural areas, before and after an in-patient rehabilitation program. Study design: A multi-center, prospective, analytical study. Material and Method: Urban and rural stroke patients admitted to the rehabilitation ward received a rehabilitation program. Pre- and post-rehabilitation, patients were measured using the Barthel index, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADS) and the WHO BREF QOL questionnaire. The data were collected from nine rehabilitation centers in Thailand. Results: Significant improvement in functional outcome, psychological condition and quality of life score was achieved via the rehabilitation program in both groups. There was no statistically significant difference between urban vs. rural patients. Conclusion: Previous living areas (urban vs. rural) before admission had no effect on functional outcome, psychological outcome and quality of life among stroke patients after an in-patient rehabilitation program conducted in Northeast Thailand.