Stroke and quality of life: an integrative review

Objective: to investigate the domains of quality of life most affected in survivors of stroke according to specific evaluation tools. Method: this is an integrative literature review in MEDLINE, CINAHL and Lilacs, of which seven were selected. Results: the articles were grouped according to the scale used: in the Stroke Impact Scale. The most affected domains were physical function, social participation, emotion. In the Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale, they were work/productivity, family and social relationships, thinking, energy, language. In Health-related Quality of Life in Stroke Patients Questionnaire, they were eco-social, intellectual, physical interaction. Conclusion: the quality of life of survivors is impaired in a global and multifaceted way. There is need to expand research with specific measurement instruments, as they assess areas of special interest, demonstrating a comprehensive profile of functional and psychosocial conditions of the survivors, and thus contributing to improved care for their health.