New study reveals women have a poorer quality of life after a stroke than men

A new study has found that men have a better quality of life than women following a stroke.

The study, funded by The Stroke Association, is to be published in the journal 'Stroke' and explores whether differences in gender can affect a person's quality of life following a stroke. The study was undertaken by Professor Philip Bath and colleagues at the University of Nottingham.

Dr Isabel Lee is from The Stroke Association: "We already know that women tend to have an increased level of disability following a stroke than men and this often means that they are more dependent on others. Yet the quality of someone's life following a stroke is influenced by many factors and disability is just one of these."

The study looked at 1268 patients and quality of life was measured 6 months after stroke. Quality of life was measured across 8 different areas which were: physical functioning, physical role, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, emotional role and mental health. Each of these domains were compared by sex.

The study showed that women consistently reported lower quality of life than men and this was particularly noticeable in physical functioning and mental health.

Dr Lee continues: "The reason for this outcome could be that women and men cope and adapt in different ways. In some illnesses there is a clear distinction between the impact on the sexes, but this is an area that has not been fully explored with stroke.

Professor Philip Bath led the research. "Another possible explanation could be down to the individual's place of residence six months after their stroke. More women reside in nursing homes than men and quality of life is likely to be less well rated in an institution than at home."

He concludes: "It is important to recognise that stroke affects all aspects of a patient's life and further research needs to be done to find out why women seem to have a lower quality of life after a stroke than men.

"We need to look at ways of improving quality of life for all stroke survivors and so it is important that clinical trials for new treatments of stroke assess for this as well as disability."

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact the Media Team at The Stroke Association on 020 7566 1528 or email the Press Office

Notes to editor

1. Leo Pharma funded the TAIST ('Tinzaparin in Acute Ischaemic Stroke Trial') study - see Bath et al. Lancet 2001; 358:702-10. Leo Pharma allowed Professor Philip Bath and his team to use the TAIST database for the present analysis of assessing the relationship between sex and quality of life after ischaemic stroke

2. The study is being published online at 21.00 GMT on 27 September 2007. The research will be printed in the journal Stroke in November

3. The Stroke Association is the only UK charity solely concerned with combating stroke in people of all ages. The charity funds research into prevention, treatment, better methods of rehabilitation and helps stroke patients and their families directly through its community services which include communications support, family and carer support, information services, welfare grants, publications and leaflets. The Stroke Association also campaigns, educates and informs to increase knowledge of stroke at all levels of society acting as a voice for everyone affected by stroke

4. A stroke is a brain attack which causes brain damage. A stroke can be diagnosed by using FAST - Facial weakness, Arm weakness, Speech problems, Test all three. If any of these symptoms are present call an ambulance straight away

5. The Stroke Helpline provides information on stroke to the general public and is open between 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday on 0845 3033 100

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