FACTORS AFFECTING QUALITY-OF-LIFE OF THE KOREAN AGED STROKE PATIENTS

Among the most prevalent disabling diseases of old age, stroke is the leading chronic condition in Korea. The physical and psychosocial comp lications of a stroke can result in serious limitations on all aspects of one's life that affect overall quality of life. This study examine s the relative importance of and interactions among factors which affe ct the quality of life of 119 stroke patients aged sixty-five and olde r in Korea. The model uses family support, personality (specifically h ardiness), economic status, and physical functioning as independent va riables, and quality of life as a dependent variable. The results of t his study suggest that physical functioning and physical care by the f amily are important factors influencing quality of life of the aged st roke patients. Hardy personality is negatively associated with financi al support and physical care by the family. These findings have severa l implications for policy development, clinical practice, and future r esearch in this area.