Relative importance of after-effects, environment and socio-economic factors on the social integration of stroke victims

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Abstract
This research is about the social integration of victims of a cerebrovascular accident. The objective is to evaluate the relative importance of physical after-effects, socio-economic characteristics, social and environmental factors on the degree of social integration subsequently achieved. This is a longitudinal evaluation with three data collections from an initial sample of 129 persons from the Quebec City area, Canada. Individual functional autonomy increases significantly while in institution and during the six months following discharge. At the time of discharge, 72.9% return to a normal home. A regression analysis shows that the determining factors relating to homecoming are motor functions and autonomy, personal perception of health conditions, proximity of children and relatives, relatively low age, regular presence of another person in the home, and proximity of friends. An important decrease in the practice of many activities occurs six months after homecoming: paid work, housework, management of personal affairs, and leisure activities. Absence of serious motor and language after-effects, a high level of perceived health condition, accessible facilities, proximity of relatives, and the ownership of a car are the factors most strongly associated with continued practice of these activities. Social contacts are more frequent than for comparable populations as far as children and relatives are concerned, but they are less frequent with friends. Proximity is a key factor. A quarter of the sample experiences problems relating to psychological well-being.