The health-related quality of life among stroke survivors with post-COVID conditions living in the United States

Abstract

Background and aim

It is widely recognized that a considerable number of COVID-19 survivors continue to experience post-COVID conditions (PCCs). Given that stroke survivors face a heightened risk of PCCs compared to the general population, our objective was to assess the impact of PCCs on the health-related quality of life (HRQL) among stroke survivors in the United States.

Method

We used the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data 2022. Respondents with a history of COVID-19 infection and stroke were selected and classified based on whether they experienced PCCs. Finally, the HRQL-related items, including self-reported general health (SRGH), the number of days with compromised mental and physical health, and the daily efficiency, were compared between the two groups.

Results

Overall, 3988 respondents (42.8 % aged above 64 years old, 45.8 % men) were enrolled. Compared to stroke survivors without PCCs, those with PCCs had significantly worse SRGH and a higher number of days with compromised mental and physical health. However, although multivariate regression analysis supported the adverse impact of PCCs on the SRGH of stroke survivors, the results were not statistically significant (aOR = 1.32,CI95 %:[0.98-1.78],p = 0.070). Fatigue and dyspnea emerged as the most significantly associated symptoms with impaired SRGH. Additionally, lower education and annual household income level, smoking, lack of physical activity, and comorbidities including diabetes, heart, and pulmonary disease were associated with a higher prevalence of unfavorable SRGH among stroke survivors with PCCs.

Conclusion

Our study highlights that PCCs might be associated with worse SRGH. Lower education, income, and physical activity, smoking, and comorbidities were associated with a higher rate of unfavorable SRGH among stroke survivors with PCCs.