Factors influencing acceptance of disability among stroke patients in Tianjin, China: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Stroke has become the leading cause of acquired disability worldwide. Psychological maladjustment and related reactions for stroke disability has subsequently revealed a negative impact on stroke rehabilitation process. Acceptance of disability (AOD) is widely confirmed as a critical factor for psychosocial regulation and disability acceptance. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate acceptance of disability and its influencing factors among stroke patients in China. METHODS: A total of 220 hospitalized stroke patients were investigated using questionnaire on demographics and disease characters, Adaptation Of Disability Scale-Revised, and other psychological instruments: Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire (MCMQ), Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), and Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS). RESULTS: The mean score of AOD is 74.15 (range 32 similar to 128), which reflected a moderate level of disability acceptance among stroke patients in China. Statistical analysis showed that confrontation, the understanding of stroke, self-rating depression, ability of functional activities and family support were major factors affecting acceptance of disability among disabled stroke patients, which explained 49.6% of the total variance. CONCLUSIONS: In clinical practice, professionals should identify patients with low levels of disability acceptance and explore effective psychological intervention model on the theoretical foundation of different dimensions in AOD theory and related predictors.