[Factors associated with quality of life for patients with post-stroke aphasia in the Cotonou hospitals, Benin].

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this study was to determine the factors influencing quality of life for patients with post-stroke aphasia followed in Cotonou hospitals.

METHOD: A prospective descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in CNHU-HKM (Cotonou, Benin) from October to December 2012; focusing on patients with at least six months of post-stroke aphasia. For each patient, a SIP-65 questionnaire was administered. The Epi Info 3.5 software was used for data analysis. A multivariate analysis was performed to determine factors associated with quality of life for patients with aphasia.

RESULTS

In total, 41 patients were included in this study with a sex ratio of 1.3. The average age was 55.3 ± 2.5 years. The average duration of the aphasia was 10 months. Broca's aphasia was predominant (68.3%). 60.8% of aphasia patients were able to preserve their quality of life. Multivariate analysis showed that age, family support, the type of stroke and aphasia and speech therapy were associated with quality of life.

CONCLUSION

The treatment of post-stroke aphasia must incorporate these factors associated with quality of life for a better recovery of patients.