An investigation into the social participation of stroke survivors with aphasia

Purpose. Aphasia can profoundly affect a person's capacity for social participation. The purpose of this study is to describe how people with aphasia participate socially, and to investigate the factors which are related to social participation. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 150 people with aphasia using a structured interview format, adjusted to the communicative abilities of the participants. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analyses. Measures used were the Frenchay Aphasia Screening Test, Barthel Index, Darmouth Coop Functional Health Assessment Charts/Wonca, Personal Factors Questionnaire, Environmental Factors Questionnaire and the Community Integration Questionnaire (CIQ). Results. There was much variation in the social participation of people with aphasia (range total CIQ score: 4-25). The mean score on the CIQ was 14.2 (SD - 4.9), with the social integration subscale score contributing most to the total CIQ score. A low home integration score and a very low productivity score were found for this population. Age, gender, functional activities of daily living (ADL) performance and aphasia severity were related to social participation (adjusted R-2 = 0.37). Conclusions. Aphasia negatively affects long term social participation, together with other factors: functional ADL performance, age and gender. Environmental factors and personal factors do not independently contribute to the level of social participation.