Year: 2023
Type: conference-abstract
Abstract: Introduction: Stroke is the leading cause of disability worldwide, not only due to motor impairment, but to many sequelae in other domains. Fatigue is one of the most impacting symptoms in the quality of life in post stroke patients, with estimated prevalence around 30%. Objectives and methods: We present a cross-sectional study that aimed to determine the prevalence of fatigue in patients with ischemic stroke followed in the neurovascular outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital in São Paulo, Brazil, using the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS) questionnaire. It can range from 0-50 points, proportional to symptom intensity; scores equal or over 24 points indicate fatigue in such individuals. Casuistics and results: One hundred and fifty seven questionnaires were analyzed and classified according to the FAS. Mean age was 58 years, 74 (47.13%) individuals were men and median FAS score was 21 points (interquartile range: 18–29). Of the interviewees, 64 individuals (40.76%) were classified as having fatigue by the established cut-off; in this subgroup, mean age was 55 years and 28 (43.75%) were men. Discussion and conclusion: In this study, around 40% of post-stroke patients have fatigue, indicating a high prevalence in our population. Fatigue has a high impact on the quality of life of patients, also worsening in functionality and mortality, due to lesser participation in rehabilitation and physical activities. Thus, the health professional dealing with post-stroke patients must be aware and prepared to help patients in coping with fatigue.
Language: English
Subfield: Rehabilitation
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W4384009907