Afiza Hanun A.H, Azidah A.K, Monniaty M.
Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the predictors of good functional outcome in post stroke patients 6 months post stroke.
Design: This is a prospective cohort study. The study included all stroke patients who were admitted to a tertiary centre in Malaysia from December 2009 to December 2010. Patients were interviewed and examined within 72-hours of admission. The socio-demographic data and medical history were taken. Then, clinical examinations were done to assess the stroke severity using Scandinavian Stroke Scale (SSS) and functional status based on Modified Barthel Index (MBI). The clinical data and investigations results upon admission were gathered from the medical records. Patients were reassessed at six months post stroke on the rehabilitation service, carer availability and functional status (MBI).
Result: A total of 101 patients were recruited and 8 patients passed away before completing the study. They were 52 men and 41 women with mean age of 63.7 (10.3) years. On admission 34.4% had good functional status and at six month, 84.9% had good functional status. SSS score (p<0.05) and age (p<0.05) significantly predict good functional outcome.
Conclusion: Higher SSS score and younger age at occurrence of stroke significantly predict good functional outcome.
