Measuring stroke patients' health status in the early post-stroke phase using the SF36

This paper aims to explore the self-perceived health status of stroke patie nts, the factors that contribute to the perception and the relevance of the findings to researchers and practitioners. Outcomes were measured at, one, three and six months post-stroke for 153 stroke patients and pre-mor bid c haracteristics were gathered from GPs, Health status was measured using the Short Form 36 (SF36), Stroke patients' health status was significantly wor se than a general population for four health dimensions (physical functioni ng, role physical, vitality and social functioning). Regression analyses wi th the SF36 profile scores as dependent variables revealed one model where associations between independent and dependent variables were relatively st rong (physical functioning), the remaining seven models yielded weak associ ations. Self-perceived health status was not strongly related to impairment , disability or cognitive function. There are implications For researchers and practitioners across a range of professions. Researchers should aim to identify factors that explain stroke patients' perception of their own heal th and the impact of their perception on rehabilitation. Practitioners shou ld consider the possible effects of low vitality on treatment concordance. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.